K'Cee caught a Scorpion!!
:eek: I'm not sure but I *think* it might have stung her.
When I noticed her, she was sitting in the sun washing her paw. All of a sudden she slapped the floor, paused, and resumed her washing. This was repeated a couple of times. Not *too* unusual as she often catches her shadow.
THEN the bug crept into my view!!
So far, no swelling or limping but the way she was slapping/retracting makes me think it might've stung her.
Sometimes I wish cats didn't have the "catch anything that wiggles" attitude.
Fast search found this...
Zippy ~
{{{HUGGS}}} to you both!!
This is the first good info I found...
The Question:
The region in which I live has recorded a record number of scorpions. I have in fact found a few inside of my house and my 2-year-old cat seems very curious about these strange creatures. My question is thus, what do I need to know if my cat is stung by a scorpion and are they lethal?
Answer:
Scorpion stings are pretty darn painful. Most of the time, the only treatment that is needed is medication to manage the pain, and maybe an ice pack. Sometimes, however, more serious systemic signs may develop, because some species of scorpions contain a neurotoxin which may cause such signs as salivation, urination, defecation, tearing and dilation of the pupils. Sometimes, these signs can be severe enough to make a cat very sick, and can even be fatal.
Therapy consists of supportive care at a veterinary clinic.
If you suspect a scorpion has bitten your cat, take it to a veterinary clinic as soon as possible for evaluation.
BY: Dr. Steffen Stacey Runquist,
DVM, Feline Specialist
Specialty : Physical
Source:
Purina Cat Chow Site
/s/ Phred
another Scorpion article...
What To Do If A Scorpion Stings Your Pet
by: PetPlace Veterinarians
Although not all scorpions are considered deadly venomous (except to insects, their main source of food), you shouldn’t take a scorpion sting lightly. The venom of a scorpion contains digestive enzymes, which can cause extreme pain. The venom of one particular scorpion, Centruroides exilicauda, contains digestive enzymes as well as venom toxic to the nervous system. This species of scorpion is usually found in the southwestern United States. Fortunately, stings by this scorpion are rare.
Even so, you should be aware of the danger, both inside and outside your home – in certain parts of the United States scorpions are quite common.
The effect of the sting often varies with the size of your pet. If prompt veterinary treatment is not administered, pets bitten by this scorpion may not survive.
What to Watch For:
.. Drooling
.. Tearing from the eyes (the animal looks like she is crying)
.. Inappropriate urination and defecation
.. Dilated pupils
.. Muscle tremors
.. Breathing difficulty
.. Collapse
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on exposure to the venomous scorpion. The stinger may still be present in the skin. There are no blood tests available to test positively for scorpion venom. Without a known exposure to scorpions, the animal may be erroneously diagnosed with toxic insecticide exposure or epilepsy.
Treatment
There is no home care for venomous scorpion bites. Careful removal of the stinger can help but prompt veterinary care is strongly recommended.
There are antidotes to scorpion venom but their use in animals is not recommended. Most animals respond well to supportive treatment, which is aimed at supporting the animal with intravenous fluids and pain relief. The stinger, if present, should be carefully removed.
Additional more aggressive treatments may be necessary if signs of toxicity worsen.
Methocarbamol may be used to reduce muscle tremors. Seizure activity may require diazepam or phenobarbital.
Preventative Care
Keep your animal confined to your yard and keep your cat indoors, although these scorpions have been found in the yard and as well as the house. Leash walk dogs and do not allow them to roam in areas known to have venomous scorpions. Despite your efforts, it may not be possible to prevent exposure.
Source:
PetPlace.com site
/s/ Phred
