Does it ever show a move for the lead Pokemon as doing more damage than the HP of the foe? Because I know my Pikachu's Thunderbolt +1 is more powerful than 47 against a Smeargle in Foggy Forest when I am at level 31 especially when my Mudkip of lower special attack does 119 damage with a non-critical hit Water Gun.
And no, my Special Attack was not hindered in any way nor Mudkip's helped.