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I found a rubber band on my cats paw this morning and I noticed it while I saw her hand being unusually bigher than normal. I think the rubber has been there for 12 hours, since my cousins were playing with her yesterday. I've been reading articles online but can this be a cause of gangrene? Is there a possible problem with her circulation. She's just 3 months old
Updated On July 28th, 2017
Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | unspayed | 5 lbs
Answered By Jeffrey Milner 128
Veterinarian
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It is true that gangrene can occur in animals if circulation is completely cut off for long periods of time. However the placement of a rubber band in this case is not causing complete lack of circulation but instead is just resulting in some localized swelling to the Joint below the rubber band. I expect that you will see the swelling continue to subside over the course of the next day and that your kitten's Mobility will not be affected in any sort of long-term way. If you are seeing changes in Mobility past the one to two day mark, seek Veterinary attention. Hope this helps!.
7Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Other Answers
Answered By Mara Howard, DVM
Veterinarian
When rubber bands are put on a cat's paw it can act as a tourniquet and decrease blood supply to that paw, leading to injury to the muscles and soft tissue as well as the blood vessels. It is also typically very painful. I would recommend Ruby be seen by her regular veterinarian to determine if there is an extensive injury or not, any diagnostics that may be needed (X-rays, etc.) and any treatment that may be warranted (anti inflammatories, pain meds).
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