In the article I will talk about such a pathology as heart failure in dogs. I will give the types of diseases and their symptoms. I’ll tell you who is more predisposed to developing the disease, and how to properly massage a dog’s heart. I will give the rules for treating the disease. I’ll tell you how to do a heart massage, at least theoretically; every pet owner should know how to resuscitate a dog.
How can you tell if your pet is dying?
When a cat dies of old age, it is always accompanied by certain manifestations, a kind of symptoms of the “last illness” in this life. They are the same for all animals - a cat lives its entire life in an apartment or on the street, the signs of imminent death will not differ. However, this sad list of habits and characteristics of the condition is typical only for old animals whose life has come to its logical conclusion. In case of illness or serious injury, the manifestations characteristic of imminent death will be different.
Signs that a cat is dying of old age are as follows:
- decreased heart rate, slow heartbeat;
- shallow, but whistling and at the same time quiet breathing;
- changes in body temperature;
- refusal to drink and eat;
- the desire to retire to a secluded place;
- urinary incontinence and bowel weakness;
- the presence of an unpleasant odor;
- loss of shine, dull appearance of the coat.
Even if the animal is very old, if these manifestations occur, it is necessary to call a veterinarian. There is always a chance that your pet is just sick and needs help, and not preparation for a funeral.
how to resuscitate a kitten after giving birth
We will describe in detail how childbirth occurs in cats. The cat will begin to rush around the apartment, looking for secluded warm corners, preferably those that are softer, increased urination, and a drop in temperature to 36.8-36.6 degrees, which is especially noticeable on hairless skin.
In the last hours before giving birth, the cat refuses food. The labia appear swollen. The first contractions are invariably short, lasting a matter of seconds. Signs of contractions are restlessness, the cat may purr, and clear mucus may be released from the vagina - this dissolves the mucus plug that was previously blocking the mouth of the cervix. Sometimes there is a discharge mixed with blood. Contractions usually occur at intervals of 15-30 minutes. Between contractions, the cat can get up, leave the nest and drink. The help of a veterinarian is necessary if contractions last more than three hours without result.
In most Sphynx cats, childbirth is painless. If the birth proceeds normally, the owner may not interfere, however, unfortunately, the expression “gives birth easily, like a cat” most often refers to the mythical idea of a cat. Your pet may often need your help.
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Additional Information:
The average cat does a much better job of cleaning and drying newborn kittens than a human, so don't interfere unnecessarily. However, if the kitten is not breathing. or in those few cases where the cat's maternal instinct fails and the kitten is ignored, its urgent "revival" becomes an urgent and necessary task. Observing the actions of the cat itself shows the optimal order in which a person needs to act. The first thing the cat does is clean the kitten's nose and mouth. After this, the cat bites the umbilical cord, licking it with its rough tongue, while simultaneously stimulating the kitten to breathe independently by moving its tongue in the area. If the kitten is not breathing, a more vigorous tongue massage of the same area should be performed. Finally, there is a general "drying" lick of the kitten, with some emphasis on the back of the abdomen and anal area to encourage the bowel and bladder to begin working. The cat then pushes the kitten towards the nipples. If necessary, a person should follow the same sequence of actions. taking into account possible emergency situations.
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by Lili on Thu Sep 17, 2020 10:11 am
RESUNCTION OF THE FUCKERS!
If a kitten swallows amniotic fluid during birth, it can be resuscitated and its life saved.
Resuscitation of freeloaders:
We fix the kitten in our hands like a thermometer, hold its head well so that it doesn’t wobble, and vigorously shake it like the same thermometer 2-3 times.
Then mouth to mouth we suck out the liquid from the kitten’s mouth and nose, lightly kiss.
We rub the baby intensively.
If after these procedures there is wheezing, then shake again and suction again.
Give the kitten a chance to have a good cry, until the clear ringing and loud “sends you to the garden.”
the kitten shows weak signs of life, wheezes, does not scream, then we kiss the mouth, wrap our lips and nose.
The liquid was sucked out.
Next, take a light breath into your nose and mouth.
Can be repeated 2-3 times.
If you still haven’t perked up, then “accordion”!
We grab the body in both hands so that the distance between the hands is 3-5 cm in the abdomen and chest area.
It turns out that one hand is the front of the body.
The second hand is the back one.
And holding the kitten upside down, we make 5-10 sharp movements with our hands: bring them together and separate them, as when working with a pump.
And after all this, we begin to intensively rub the body.
This is to stimulate blood circulation.
It is very important to rub the kitten while lying on its back - the chest and ribs area.
Then they turned him over onto his tummy and onto his back and sides.
When you rub the back, extend the movements to the shoulder blades and rub the withers so that your fingers lightly hit the back of the head - blood flow to the brain.
There is no need to be afraid to squeeze the kitten tightly in your hand.
Strong fixation is a must.
when you rub it, it’s quite intense movements. So that the kitten even runs across the palm of your hand.
Remember how a cat licks?
Pulls it all over the bedding, but licks it quickly and with effort.
And when they “send you to the garden” with a loud cry - leave me alone(!). We put Gamavit 0.5 subcutaneously and send the finished child to the mother for drying.
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A harbinger of approaching birth is the cat’s desire to retire, frequent urination, and a decrease in rectal temperature to 36.8 ° C. In the last hours before giving birth, the cat refuses food. The labia appear swollen. The first contractions are invariably short, lasting a matter of seconds. Signs of contractions are restlessness, the cat may purr, and clear mucus may be released from the vagina - this dissolves the mucus plug that was previously blocking the mouth of the cervix. Sometimes there is a discharge mixed with blood. Contractions usually occur at intervals of 15-30 minutes. Between contractions, the cat can get up, leave the nest and drink. The help of a veterinarian is necessary if contractions last more than three hours without result.
Most cats give birth painlessly. If the birth proceeds normally, the owner may not interfere, however, unfortunately, the expression “gives birth easily, like a cat” most often refers to the mythical idea of a cat. Domestic cats may often need your help.
Cats have multiple pregnancies. Most often, there are from 3 to 6 kittens in a litter. The duration of labor is usually several hours, but can reach one and a half days. To speed up the birth process and make it painless, bloodless and more natural, you need to inject Gamavit (0.5 ml, intramuscularly) when the first signs appear (removal of the plug or rare contractions). Then the process described below will be faster and easier for both mother and kittens.
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There is still debate about how long pregnancy lasts in Maine Coon cats. Breeders who have a Maine Coon cattery count the term differently: some from the first day of mating, and others from the last or plus one day. Mating can last several days and pregnancy does not occur immediately, so gestation periods may differ by 5-10 days. On average, a Maine Coon cat's pregnancy lasts 66-68 days.
Maine Coon cat pregnancy
Pregnancy and childbirth in cats of this breed are usually quite easy, the maternal instinct is well developed. But you need to start taking care of the cat during pregnancy, then the birth will be easy and smooth.
A pregnant cat may become less active and sleepy.
Her appetite will increase, during this period she really needs more food, it should be nutritious and balanced. In some cases, vitamins and supplements, such as calcium, will not be superfluous.
Sometimes at 3-4 weeks the cat suffers from toxicosis; the animal may vomit once or twice and feel unwell for some time. At the same time, the cat’s nipples swell and the belly begins to grow. The most common mistake is a person’s desire to touch a cat’s belly and try to manually determine how many kittens she is carrying. You should not do this, such manipulations can lead to complications in the Maine Coon’s birth. Do not pick up a pregnant cat; prohibit children from doing this. If you still need to pick up or move the cat, then hold it with one hand under the chest and the other under the butt.
Preparing for the birth of a Maine Coon cat
Prepare a place for your cat to give birth in advance. A regular spacious box will do just fine. On the one hand, it will need to be trimmed in such a way that a pregnant cat can easily jump in there and after giving birth she can see where she is jumping in order to protect the kittens from injury. Also, the wall of the box should be high enough so that three-week-old kittens, who are already crawling well, cannot get out of there.
Line the box with clean paper, newspapers, and diapers. Prepare yourself a “obstetrician’s kit” for giving birth to a Maine Coon cat.
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About breathing before death
Measuring the breathing rate is also one way to understand that a cat is dying. In normal condition, the animal makes 20 to 30 exhalations per minute. But, unlike the pulse, the number of breaths will not decrease, but rather will increase. However, they will be weak, without depth.
This is due to the fact that a weakened heart also affects the efficiency of the respiratory system. Immediately before death, the breathing rate will drop, the number of breaths will be equal to the number of heartbeats.
About refusing to drink and eat
Refusal of both food and water is one of the main harbingers of imminent death, which is what animal owners most often focus on. This is true; some time before its death, the pet stops eating and refuses water. Even if you offer something tasty and favorite, there will be no reaction.
Refusal to eat and drink causes the animal to look emaciated and lose weight. The cat's stomach drops. This point is important. If a cat’s tummy is swollen, you should immediately take your pet to the clinic or call a doctor to her house, rather than grieve.
About the desire for solitude
Before imminent death, the cat does not eat; it dies alone. Therefore, it is important to observe your pet. If an animal does not come to the owner’s sofa in the evenings, but tries to hide under a closet or in any other dark and difficult-to-reach place for humans, then this behavior (together with refusal to eat) indicates an imminent death.
But a cat in an apartment only dies in old age. If the animal is in the middle of life, then the desire for solitude indicates a disease in which it is difficult to tolerate noise and light. For example, about encephalitis, in which the animal hides and also refuses water and food. There are a number of other diseases with similar manifestations.
Reward for saving a black cat
So, you finally managed to deliver the cat to the Deserted Swamps safe and sound. After this, the fluffy will disappear almost immediately. Later, you will receive a notification in which the cat will thank you for accompanying you and call you his friend. Completing this quest will give you a special ability. This skill will allow you to summon a black cat onto the battlefield without spending Source points.
In addition to helping you in battle, the cat will also be able to jump high and change places with its owner. This means that you can send a cat to an enemy mage, and then switch places with a fighter. Skillful use of a cat will give you a great advantage in battle. Let's add that additional teleportation does not spend party action points.
About incontinence
In a cat near death, control of the urinary tract may be lost. The same applies to the rectum.
Although the animal does not drink or eat, droplets of waste products are constantly or frequently released from it. First, the cat tries to lick them off the floor and clean up after itself. Then he stops paying attention.
A very important point for owners trying to figure out what to do if a cat dies. You should stock up on diapers for bedridden patients. They will be useful for maintaining hygiene not only at home, but also for the pet itself. The excrement released before imminent death is concentrated, because water does not enter the body. That is, these drops settle on the fur, and sometimes corrode the cat’s skin.
Causes of early death of babies
The following factors influence low offspring survival:
- number of children (one kitten dies in half the cases);
- unreasonable interference of the breeder in the birth process;
- low weight;
- prematurity;
- blood group incompatibility;
- genetic characteristics of the breed;
- mother's illness.
Immediately after birth, the kitten needs warmth, since its body thermoregulation mechanisms have not yet developed. Hypothermia (hypothermia) leads to a slow heart rate and heart failure . If the mother cat has died or refuses to accept the babies, then to prevent the kittens from dying, you need to place them near a heat source. This could be a hot water bottle wrapped in a diaper or a heating pad.
© shutterstock
To maintain the vitality of the body, babies need energy, which they receive from mother's milk. A weak newborn kitten dies from low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in the first 5 days of life if it does not receive enough food. For example, he cannot suck on his own, or stronger brothers prevent him from getting to the nipple.
Improper nutrition of the mother affects the fat content of milk, so it is better to feed the cat with a special balanced food.
Early death of kittens occurs from dehydration (dehydration). From lack of food, overheating or diarrhea, the body loses a large amount of fluid.
Infectious diseases are not uncommon and account for 4% of total mortality in the first days of life. If within 2 hours after birth the kitten did not suck mother's milk, then it did not receive colostrum, and with it, antibodies to protect against pathogenic viruses and bacteria. Until the immune system finally matures, it will not be able to independently fight pathogens of dangerous infections. Even vaccination during this critical period is ineffective . This is why it is important to ensure your baby has access to the nipple as soon as possible.
Kittens are stillborn or die shortly after birth due to intrauterine developmental anomalies:
- umbilical hernia;
- skeletal disorders;
- deformities;
- fusion of the rectum;
- cleft palate;
- underdevelopment of the kidneys.
In some cases, excessive licking of children by a cat leads to cannibalism, so you need to monitor whether the mother is showing excessive care for the offspring.
© shutterstock
What to do if your pet dies?
Most pet owners find themselves at a loss when they realize that their pet will soon leave them. The question of what to do if a cat dies worries every owner. After all, a person has a deep spiritual need to alleviate the torment of his pet. Many people think about euthanasia. But the owner of an animal on the verge of death is not able to adequately assess the situation. In emotional unrest, you cannot make decisions such as putting a cat to sleep.
The owner can be very mistaken in assessing what is happening. Every owner is convinced that the pet is old, which means that he is dying and suffering at the same time.
The question of what to do if a cat dies has only one answer - call a veterinarian. This must be done without delay. Only a doctor can tell if an animal is dying or is sick. Many ailments have similar symptoms to the harbinger of death. Given their advanced age and the internal fear of the death of their pet, people often make irreparable mistakes.
What to do if your cat wheezes and has difficulty breathing
If you find that your pet is breathing heavily or wheezing, do not hesitate to visit the veterinarian. While someone close to you prepares the carrier for transporting the pet, carefully inspect the animal, including the oral cavity and larynx, for the presence of foreign objects. Sometimes a cat can swallow a part of a toy while playing (more about this here), and it will interfere with its normal breathing. If you were unable to discover the cause on your own, only a good veterinarian can help you. And the sooner you get to him, the better for the cat.
How can we help?
How to help a dying cat? Just like a person. Make her last days and hours calm and happy. There is no need to cry or otherwise irritate the dying woman. Let these hours, the last ones next to your beloved, be filled with light sadness, like a calm autumn day, and not a storm.
In addition to warmth and being surrounded by love, you need to provide your pet with everyday comfort. If the cat no longer walks, absorbent diapers are required. A dry shampoo that does not require rinsing will come in handy to keep your animal's fur clean. You also need to take care of the absence of drafts. Of course, they will no longer affect the health, but will cause significant discomfort to the pet.
You should not assume that a cat cannot be picked up or otherwise disturbed. This moment depends on her state and on her internal intuitive feeling. If you want to take your pet home and watch a movie with her, that’s what you need to do.
Techniques for different types of massage
The massage movements used for four-legged pets are softer. Excessive force can cause harm, so it is important not only to time your efforts, but also to understand the peculiarities of canine physiology and anatomy.
Despite some differences, all available types involve the following hand movements:
- strokes that relax the body;
- fingertip tapping to help warm up the body at the very beginning;
- twisting, kneading tissue under the skin;
- rubbing, increasing blood flow and eliminating adhesions;
- compression (shaking) to relieve muscle spasms.
To obtain the desired results, you must devote at least 10 minutes to the procedure every day. At first, you should choose the minimum time to allow the animal to get used to unusual actions. If dissatisfaction appears (trembling, growling), it is recommended to stop the session.
Relaxing
First, prepare a flat surface by covering a table or regular floor with a soft cloth. You can put a muzzle on an aggressive pet, but you still shouldn’t abuse this accessory for a long time. Your pet should enjoy the session, so do not force him against his will.
After preparing a comfortable place, use the step-by-step algorithm that explains how to massage dogs:
- Start with light strokes. Use your fingertips and the inside of your palm to move around your entire body. Scratch the scruff of the neck and be sure to praise your pet so that he feels safe and as relaxed as possible.
- Massage your neck in a circular motion, moving from top to bottom. Perform all movements smoothly so as not to damage the vertebrae.
- Knead your ears and surrounding area. Be careful. The area between the ears is especially sensitive, as there are many nerve endings there.
- Using similar circular movements, stretch your shoulders and rotate the ponytail around its axis three times in different directions.
- Complete the procedure by stroking, moving from the back of the head to the tail.
Despite interaction with a rather limited number of areas (ears, withers, back, tail), relaxation occurs throughout the body. This occurs thanks to the neurons of the spinal column, which transmit signals even to the most distant areas.
Anesthetic
The technique for performing this type is similar to a relaxing massage for dogs, focusing on the back. The only difference is that the working area will depend on the location of the source of pain.
Use stroking, rubbing and light twisting, but do not directly affect the source of pain. You should also avoid contact with existing tumors. Stimulating blood circulation can affect their growth.
If your pet's paws hurt, use the tips recommended for paralysis. In other cases, you can adhere to the relaxation technique algorithm.
Medicinal
The technique for performing this type depends on the problem at hand. It is prescribed for constipation, paralysis, recent stroke, mastitis, dysplasia, arthritis and other pathologies.
If your pet has been diagnosed with a disease that requires a course of massage sessions, discuss this issue with your veterinarian. He will explain which area should be given the most attention and with what force it is permissible to massage problem areas.
For good peristalsis
Immediately after birth, the mother monitors peristalsis, regularly kneading the babies’ tummies with her paws and tongue. But intestinal problems bother dogs even at an older age. At this point, taking care of their health falls entirely on the owner.
To prevent constipation, you need to regularly massage your sides and stomach, moving clockwise. Start the procedure with light circular strokes at the chest and smoothly move towards the tail, gradually increasing the diameter of the working area and the intensity of palpation. The appearance of gurgling sounds during the procedure is a normal reaction, confirming the effectiveness of the therapy used.
Avoid putting too much pressure on the abdominal wall. It can damage internal organs. It is also recommended not to touch the groin area. Such touches cause a negative reaction in most animals.
For paralysis
For problems with the musculoskeletal system, it is recommended to focus on twisting and shaking. With their help, you can restore damaged muscles and nerves.
During the session, do the following:
- Calm your pet with light stroking of the entire body. Move to the paws as soon as he relaxes.
- Stroke one of the sore limbs, moving from its base straight to the heels. Gently bend it at the elbow or knee. Return the paw to its original position and repeat the previous action 4 more times.
- Massage the limb in a circular motion, moving from the inner surface to the outer. Having reached your heels, repeat the above steps 3 more times.
- Rub your hand or foot vigorously, not forgetting the space between your toes. Control the force used so as not to harm the animal.
After massaging one of your dog's paws, immediately move on to the other. Please note that it is necessary to act not only on the sore limb, but on everything at once.
How to survive this?
Surviving death is always very difficult. It is for this reason that people in ancient times invented rituals for funerals, seeing off the dead and commemorating them. These everyday simple actions help cope with feelings of loss.
You need to say goodbye to your beloved. This is a very important moment for overcoming a mental crisis. You cannot wrap a cat in a bag, put her mattress in it and throw it in the trash. Such an act will inevitably begin to eat away from the inside for many years. To the pain of loss will also be added pangs of conscience.
The animal must be cremated or simply buried. When organizing a funeral, you should not be ashamed of your own spiritual needs or think about how someone else will react to such manifestations of emotions. If you are convinced that a coffin and a wake are needed, that’s what you should do.
Farewell is the most important moment in mental rehabilitation. There is no need to rush if you need to stand next to the cat's body and talk to it - this must be done. As for remembrance, the same rules apply as for funerals. You need to remember as the soul requires it and it doesn’t matter at all who thinks what.
Some people prefer to sit in silence and solitude, leafing through photographs. It is vital for someone to share their grief with loved ones and understanding people. Many owners who are experiencing the bitterness of loss are afraid to talk about their emotions out loud. People fear a lack of acceptance of their grief, a lack of respect for it, and a general lack of understanding of the full importance of what has happened.
But this is not an entirely correct position - to close yourself inside your own grief. Many people are familiar with how painful, offensive and unfair it is – the death of a pet. Many have experienced such loss. Some in childhood, and others in older age. People can help cope with stress, distract from grief, and occupy free time. If you don’t talk about what happened, you won’t be able to get help.
What do psychologists say?
Psychologists often advise going to work in an animal shelter, putting all the things of the deceased cat out of sight, etc. But this is a very individual moment. You can go take care of the homeless or go to the cinema with friends.
Advice from psychologists does not take into account a person’s personality and what exactly he feels. Many owners of deceased animals do not experience good feelings when looking at living cats. Rather, they wonder why these cats are alive, but their beauty is no longer there. Of course, we are talking about emotions and feelings. With his mind, a person understands why his favorite is no longer around.
You need to take the advice of psychologists taking into account your own feelings. You can't force yourself to do something. If it’s completely unbearable at home, then you can go to another city for the weekend.
