Cat's hind legs have failed, what to do?

Initially, the cat becomes very excited. After the activity drops, limbs fail. The cat stops eating and drinking, reacts weakly to stimuli. The body temperature rises sharply. Severe trembling, vomiting is possible. The animal loses consciousness, convulsions begin.

In a cat's hind legs have fallen off – possible causes and methods of therapy.

If the cat's hind paws have fallen off and it can not move normally on its own, then this condition of the pet causes great concern to the owner of the pet, since it is also accompanied by strong painful sensations in the animal. The cause may be a fracture or paralysis of the hind limbs.

Paralysis is a serious condition that requires immediate intervention by a qualified veterinarian. This allows timely diagnosis of the onset of the disease that provoked the failure of the hind legs, as well as prescribing treatment.

The speed of diagnosis and first aid to the animal affects further treatment and prognosis for recovery of the hind limb supporting apparatus.

Signs of limb failure

If the cat's hind legs have fallen off and it can not move normally on its own, this condition of the pet causes great concern to the owner of the pet, as it is also accompanied by severe painful sensations in the animal. The cause may be a fracture or paralysis of the hind limbs.

Paralysis is a serious pathology that requires immediate intervention by a qualified veterinarian. This allows you to diagnose the onset of the disease that caused the hind legs to fail, and to prescribe treatment.

The speed of diagnosis and first aid to the animal affect further treatment and prognosis for recovery of the hind limb support apparatus.

Causes

It is only possible to independently determine the cause of why a cat does not walk well, only in cases of trauma that occurred in front of the owner. In other cases, only a qualified veterinarian on the basis of an interview and examination is able to correctly surmise a primary diagnosis.

The diseases that cause this difficulty can be quite different. Some of them result in partial hind legs, while others can cause complete paralysis of the hind legs.

Parasitic infections

It is not uncommon for a cat to start walking poorly after an ear mite has been living in the ears for a long time. Its presence causes the appearance of pus in the inner ear, and if the body cannot overcome this phenomenon on its own, it leads to inflammation of the membranes of the brain. Even more serious consequences can be caused by internal parasites, which spread with the bloodstream and settle in the brain or nervous system tissues.

Arterial thromboembolism

Caused by thrombus migration and blockage of a blood vessel. This causes ischemia and death of a section of tissue. Pathologies such as hypertrophic or dilated cardiomyopathy provoke thrombus formation.

Thromboembolism always has a pronounced onset: the cat screams strongly or meows loudly, starts walking badly abruptly. When trying to feel the tissues in the pelvic area, she may behave aggressively because of the pain syndrome. The paws often become cold as the blood supply is disrupted. You can pay attention to the condition of the pads: they become lighter in color than on healthy paws. The animal may have a decrease in overall body temperature. It is not uncommon for the pet to breathe heavily with its mouth open.

The reaction in such cases must be very fast, because if you do not intervene, it will soon be fatal.

Intervertebral hernias

When an intervertebral disc is displaced, there is increased pressure on the spinal cord. Due to the deterioration of the innervation of the hind limbs, the animal begins to stagger and the paws begin to wobble and walk poorly. This can range from minor coordination problems to complete paralysis, depending on the stage of pressure, when the cat just rolls onto its side. Older animals and overweight cats are more susceptible to intervertebral hernias, but this pattern can also develop after an injury.

Diagnosis

The earlier diagnosis is started, the better the chances of curing the animal without fatal consequences. Before prescribing an examination, the veterinarian finds out such things:

The following tests and examinations are prescribed for extensive diagnosis:

• A neurological examination to determine reflex conduction;
• setting the sensitivity of the hind legs;
• X-ray of the spinal column;
• Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity organs;
• General clinical urine and blood tests;
• MRI of the head and back.

Based on the findings, a specialist will establish a diagnosis and determine why the cat does not walk well. In rare cases, additional tests, such as a bacteriological culture, are necessary.

Causes

Dysfunctions leading to hind paw failure can be of different origins: viral, post-traumatic, orthopedic, related to metabolic disorders in the body, etc.

Thromboembolism

A dangerous disorder in which a blood clot that has formed in the bloodstream gets stuck in the femoral arteries. Since there is no blood flow to the legs in this case, deterioration occurs quickly, starting with the failure of motor activity in the hind limbs and ending with death three to four days after occurrence.

The onset of thromboembolism is accompanied by intermittent shaking of the paws, the cat behaves restlessly, meows pitifully, may bite or scratch when trying to touch the painful area. Paralysis develops quickly, the paws become cold and the cat refuses food and water. The chance of cure with thromboembolism is small, so it is important to seek help in the first few hours after paw failure is detected.

Progressive avitaminosis

This phenomenon is most often seen in kittens in the active growth stage and in lactating cats. The causes of avitaminosis include the presence of parasites in the body, lack of sunlight, treatment with strong antibiotics or irrational diet. In addition to paralysis of the legs occurs severe lethargy, weight loss, anemia.

Renal failure

This disease leads to failure of the entire urinary system, with paralysis of the hind legs, decreased urine volume, lethargy, diarrhea and vomiting, and increased body temperature.

Dysplasia

Dysplasia develops against a background of congenital abnormalities of the hip joint that increase the likelihood of fracture or dislocation. The picture is aggravated by low physical activity of the cat, when the legs fall off or have already fallen off, an irrational diet with a lot of protein and overweight. After limb failure, the animal may not move around the dwelling much and sometimes miss the litter box.

Cardiomyopathy

Occurs due to thickening of the walls of the heart and an increase in its volume. With cardiomyopathy, leg paralysis in cats is a fairly rare complication, but it should not be completely forgotten.

What to do

Before treatment begins, veterinarians prescribe a comprehensive treatment, because only by determining the exact root cause can it be effectively dealt with. The following examinations are performed to detect pathology:

• Neurological examination and detection of reflex activity in the paw area;
• X-ray of the lower part of the spine;
• Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity organs;
• in case of suspected infectious nature – bacterial examination;
• standard urine and blood tests;
• MRI of the spine and head;
• limb sensitivity testing.

These tests are never prescribed separately. Depending on the clinical picture, the veterinarian will refer the animal to several of them to confirm or rule out the most likely diseases. There is no time for a lengthy diagnosis when limb failure occurs.

A veterinarian on why a cat's hind legs may be failing: video

Once the specific pathology is determined, the specialist develops a set of treatments. He may include such techniques:

• Surgical intervention. This is necessary for cardiomyopathy and spinal injuries. Such operations are performed only in a hospital where the cat's condition is monitored by specialists for several days.
• Drugs in the form of injections, pills, drops, gels, ointments, vitamins, etc. help with most diseases.
• Sometimes it is necessary to use orthopedic devices that help simulate walking. You can make them yourself or buy ready-made products.
• In some cases, you cannot do without physical procedures – acupuncture, myelostimulation, massage, etc.
• At the time of treatment is important diet, which will tell the veterinarian.

It must be remembered that in the case of paw failure, not only the health, but also the life of the pet depends on the speed of the owner of the pet, so delay in this case is unacceptable.

Diagnosis of paw paralysis

If the initial examination is not enough to determine the cause of paw paralysis, the following diagnostic methods are used:

• determination of neurological reactions;
• X-ray of the spine and affected limbs;
• Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity;
• a detailed analysis of blood and urine;
• swabbing for bacteriological analysis;
• MRI and CT scans of the areas of the body where pathology is suspected (spine, abdomen, brain);
• determination of the level of sensitivity of the affected limbs.

General home treatments for paw paralysis

If a cat's hind legs have failed, he will benefit from daily general strengthening procedures. A dog owner can do this at home.

1. You should massage his paws 5 to 7 times a day. Massage his limbs for 10 to 15 minutes, gently but firmly. This will help restore nerve impulses and prevent the muscles from atrophying.
2. Very useful therapeutic exercises in the form of forced flexion and extension of the limbs.
3. You can imitate walking by using a kind of walker, which can be made from a wide towel passed under the cat's belly. Supporting the animal in this way, you should provoke it to move its paws independently. If he finds it difficult, you can help him with your hands.
4. Very good results are obtained by swimming if the cat is not afraid of water. Once in a pond or bath, the animal involuntarily moves its paws, trying to swim, while the owner holds it under its belly. It has been observed that recovery comes much faster after a course of such exercises.
5. Tickling the paws will help the owner feel, that moment when the animal will start to feel them, by the reaction to irritation.
6. Exercise on a ball is effective. The cat is placed on a ball of suitable size. Its paws, dangling, should almost touch the floor, so that when it rolls it as if it were standing on them.

If the treatment of the cat has not brought the expected effect, and it still drags its hind legs, it is not necessary to put the animal to sleep. There is a way out in this case, too. There are specialized wheelchairs for cats that function as limbs. Once the cat gets the hang of it, it will be able to move around on such a wheelchair without the help of the owner. The quality of life of the animal when using such a device remains quite high.

Prognosis, consequences – including disability

If sensation and mobility are at least partially preserved, motor function can be restored. In addition to these points, the prognosis takes into account the timeliness of seeking treatment and the presence of complications. If treatment is begun soon after the first alarming symptoms appear, the prognosis is favorable.

The incurable diseases include rabies. Unvaccinated cats with this diagnosis are necessarily put to sleep.

If a disability is confirmed, the animal will require increased attention and constant help with the most mundane things. Despite this, euthanasia is an extreme measure, used only when uncontrolled pain syndrome and other symptoms affecting the quality of life of a "whisker".

If the plegia has affected only one pair of legs, and treatment has made it possible to restore well-being, then there is simply no point in putting the pet to sleep. A special wheelchair helps to restore the dog to its former glory, allowing it to maintain its quality of life at a fairly high level.

It is also a good idea to buy cat diapers, which will make it easier to care for a cat that is prone to urinating and defecating.

Can you prevent immobility?

The only way to prevent immobilization is to treat it in time, but it is better to prevent it beforehand. For this purpose it is necessary to stick to the following recommendations:

1. Follow the schedule of vaccinations and treatments against internal and external parasites. This will reduce the likelihood of illness and prevent the development of complications even if infected.
2. Do not store poisonous substances in a place accessible to animals. If you have mice or rats – do not try to deal with them yourself with arsenic. If you do, your cat may swallow the poisoned rodent.
3. Secure your windows with an "anti-cat." Falling out of windows is the most common cause of injury to whiskered pets. Do not skimp on the quality of the material and avoid cheaper mosquito nets. They won't be able to support the weight of a cat if he jumps on them.
4. Avoid unleashing and walk your pet outside with a harness. A scared cat will lunge onto a driveway, so you shouldn't leave him alone. As an alternative to outdoor walks, you can use an ordinary balcony, securing it with sturdy mesh around the perimeter.
5. Take advantage of spaying or neutering. After surgery, animals become less willful and lose their appetite for occasional escapes. They are less likely to get into fights and are much less likely to suffer severe injuries.
6. Balance the diet. Make sure your pet has enough nutrients. To do this, get a blood test for vitamins and minerals. Animals eating natural foods and economy food are the most likely to suffer from avitaminosis.
7. Keep an eye on their activity level. Pathologies of intervertebral discs are caused not only by injuries, but also by a sedentary lifestyle. After castration, cats lose their usual mobility, so encourage playing together and don't let the fluffy cat sleep too much.
8. Check the health of a kitten's parents before buying one. Of the causes of plegia listed, dysplasia is inherited. If there is a history of them on one or both sides, it is better to refuse to buy a baby.

Symptoms of pathology

Symptoms may vary depending on the cause of the limb failure. In most cases, the paws do not lose their ability to work immediately and completely.

At first, the cat may be unsteady on his hind limbs and become unsteady on them. Without treatment, the situation will worsen until the limbs are completely paralyzed. Some diseases may even lead to the death of the animal.

The following symptoms of hind limb failure in a cat can be identified:

• The animal begins to wiggle its hind legs.
• When walking, the limbs move apart to the sides.
• The cat may experience pain and "guarding" the hind legs.
• Decreased activity, apathy.
• An increase in body temperature may indicate an inflammatory process in the body or an infection.
• Loss of sensitivity of the limbs.
• The cat bites its paws.
• Complete failure of the hind limbs. The cat moves only on its front paws, dragging its hind legs behind it.

Causes of hind limb failure

Often, neurological disorders lead to the failure of the cat's hind legs. In most cases, only a doctor can determine the exact cause of paralysis.

Let's list a number of diseases that can lead to hind limb failure in a cat.

Injuries

Although cats are considered graceful creatures, it is not uncommon for them to fall off roofs or trees. A bad landing can result in spinal injuries or fractured paws. Cats are also sometimes hit by cars. Mechanical damage to the limbs and spine can result from a dog bite or a directional blow.

An injured animal may be in a state of shock, so it will try to hide immediately after the incident.
When limbs are fractured, the animal may feel intense pain as it leans on the limb. The paws may be unnaturally curved. The cat may have a dislocation, open or closed by redistribution.

Thromboembolism

This is a very dangerous condition that can lead to the death of the animal. When it occurs, the cat's femoral artery is blocked by a blood clot (it can be a blood clot, a parasite or air).

As a result, the limb is deprived of oxygen supply. Tissue necrosis begins. The condition of the animal rapidly deteriorates.

Gradually the paws completely fail, they become cold. Apathy begins. The cat does not eat or drink. Death usually occurs within 2-3 days. It is possible to save the animal if you go to the doctor in the first hours after the clogging of the artery.

Dysplasia

This disease occurs most often in large cats (Maine Coons), but smaller breeds are also genetically predisposed to it: Siamese, Persian, Norwegian Forest Cat, British and Scottish.

In most cases the disease is congenital. It is most noticeable during the period of active growth of the kitten. With dysplasia, there is excessive formation of connective tissue, and the joint becomes too mobile. During movement, the animal experiences pain.

Causes of lameness

To understand the causes of lameness of a pet is quite difficult, especially if the animal freely goes outdoors, where it is impossible to follow the cat. Possible causes of this disorder:

If the cat limps on the back leg after a fall, the cause may lie in a bruise or sprain of the ligaments. After assessing the injury with X-rays, the doctor will suggest several treatment options. It may be necessary to fix the paw to speed recovery, but with minor bruises, the animal knows what to do, so no specific measures are necessary. Lameness in both legs or refusal to move after a fall is an alarming symptom. This may signal severe damage to the spine when hitting a hard surface. In this case, the cat should be hospitalized.

Urological disorders and urolithiasis can also cause lameness. If the cat feels pain in the kidney area, it will begin to waddle its paws or try to minimize its movements. It is advisable to observe the pet's behavior. With urological problems, the pet has difficulty urinating, and particles of concrements may remain at the bottom of the tray.

Lameness with stomach pain

A common cause of lameness is stomach pain. Prolonged constipation, gastric mucosal inflammation or intestinal obstruction are all dangerous pathologies that require an urgent visit to the veterinarian.

With constipation and bowel obstruction, hard stools can cause short-term paresis and paralysis. If the cat is lethargic, refuses to eat or drink, has limp legs or does not want to move at all, the only thing a loving owner can do is to take the cat to the clinic. It is strictly forbidden to force feed your pet or try to give the cat any drugs for normal digestion.

What is the risk of a cat's hind legs falling off

Failure of the cat's hind legs is a complex ailment that requires immediate therapy at a veterinary clinic. Self-treatment of paresis is completely excluded, as it will not give any results, but only worsen the condition of the animal.

In the absence of proper medication, limb palsy can cause a lethal outcome, which will occur within a few days and will be extremely painful for the pet.

Conclusion

For every owner, the failure of a cat's hind legs is not only a serious nervous shock, but also a real ordeal. Some owners believe that such a diagnosis is a direct indication for putting an animal to sleep.

However, timely medication, physical therapy and love of owners can work wonders and completely rid the animal of the disease. Therefore, you should not give up, because your pet is worth fighting for.