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When leg paralysis occurs in a cat, it is in need of urgent veterinary attention. Care should be taken when transporting the cat so as not to cause further impairment or injury.
The inability of an animal to move or feel one or more legs is referred to as leg paralysis. When motor and sensory function is only partially impaired, this is referred to as paresis. When function is completely impaired it is referred to as paralysis. The inability to move all four legs is tetraplegia, whereas paraplegia occurs when the animal cannot move two legs. Leg paralysis can be the result of several things that are not common in cats including trauma from a fall, accident or abuse, viruses, or tick bites.
Leg Paralysis Average Cost
From 397 quotes ranging from $500 - $4,000
Average Cost
$1,800
General symptoms of paralysis are:
In addition, symptoms specific to the cause of the paralysis may be present as in the following situations:
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There are a variety of causes of paralysis in the limbs which result in a malfunction in the brain, spinal cord, or nerves that connect the central nervous system (CNS) to the legs. These include:
Cryptococcus - fungal infection that can affect the CNS
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Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical and neurological exam. He or she will look for signs of trauma and check for pain response in the affected limb(s). They will look for tick bites and check for a weak or absent pulse in groin area that would indicate a thrombosis. Your vet will ask you for a complete medical history of your cat, including any possible accidents or environmental hazards.
In addition, a blood count and urinalysis will be performed to identify possible secondary causes such as infection. An x-ray or ultrasound may be ordered to provide images of the spine and brain, which may reveal tumors or inflammation. In the case of a suspected slipped disk a myelogram may be performed, which involves injecting dye and performing an x-ray to see where a slipped disk may be pressing on spine. If FIP is suspected, a test for FIP may involve taking a fluid sample from abdomen or taking a blood test depending on the type of FIP suspected.
CTs or MRIs are also useful tools to locate the source of nervous system malfunction resulting in paralysis.
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Leg paralysis in cats is an urgent condition and requires veterinary treatment. Your veterinarian will provide supportive care such as hospitalization, intravenous fluids and oxygen therapy as appropriate. Steroids or anti-inflammatories to reduce spinal inflammation are commonly administered.
In cases which paralysis is caused by FIP, there is a poor prognosis and euthanasia is usually recommended.
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Prognosis and recovery will depend on the cause and extent of nervous system impairment that resulted in the paralysis. Massage and physiotherapy can be beneficial on a continuing basis. The animal should rest in a confined area without stimulation from other animals or exposure to hazards in its environment that could cause further injury.
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Leg Paralysis Average Cost
From 397 quotes ranging from $500 - $4,000
Average Cost
$1,800
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Ask a Vet
mixed
Fourteen Years
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Has fleas
Nov. 7, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your questions. Without seeing your dog, it is difficult to say what might be going on, but I do not think that fleas would cause your dog to drag its back legs. He may have a problem with his spine, his back, his hips, or his knees, and there may be medication that can help him. It would be best to call and make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible, and have him seen so that they can examine him and see what treatment he may need.
Nov. 7, 2020
Was this experience helpful?
Dosemtic cat
Thirteen Years
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
she was find then all of of sudden she threw up and couldn't stand on her back legs she dragging her legs and screaming alot
Sept. 29, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Older dogs can be prone to back injuries, and those can be emergency situations. If she was dragging her back legs and not able to use them, and screaming in pain, she needs to see an emergency veterinarian right away. Prompt action can sometimes prevent long term paralysis in these situations. I hope that she is okay.
Oct. 1, 2020
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British shorthair
6 months
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My kitten was active in the morning but when we get off work suddenly we saw him limping. We try to press around the paws area but his response were neutral only when we pressed the join of respective leg he becomes aggressive. I am confuse and im not sure about what happened. Pleas tell me what to do
Sept. 28, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Without being able to see him, it is difficult to say what might be going on, but common things that happen with kittens are strains or sprains if they land badly after a jump, or abscesses if they are in a fight outside. If the limping is not getting better over 24 hours, then it would be best to have your kitten seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine the leg and see why the lameness is happening, and get treatment. I hope that everything goes well for your kitten.
Oct. 6, 2020
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Cat
Four Years
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Weakness in legs
Sept. 27, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them and see what might be going on, and get treatment if needed.
Oct. 12, 2020
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Tabby
1?
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
All vets are closed. Help
Sept. 27, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I hope that your cat is okay and that you were able to get veterinary help.
Oct. 12, 2020
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Rylo
Stray cat
1 Month
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
I found this stray kitten under my car, probably a month old. She couldn't move her back legs although there were no wounds, lumps, and no pain (when I tried to move or squeeze her back legs) present. She's still pretty active, she tries to walk & drag her back legs around and eats when I hand feed her. Yesterday she stretched her back legs very slightly and moved her tail a little. She still looks like she wants to live and has the ability to live. Although due to the quarantine, we are unable to bring her to any local vet. I want her to live, what can I do at home?
Blacky
American Shorthair
19 Days
Fair severity
0 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
19 day old kitten dragging back legs. He can move them and attempts to stand but falls on his face. It is like he has no control over them like they are weak but they do work. He scoots with his front legs and climbs. There is movement to back ones and he tries but falls over instantly. He even “runs” with many rolls, scoots and pulling from front legs. The other kittens can walk now straight up.
Nona
Siamese
9 Years
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
My cat Nona, went into the vet on Monday January 13, 2020. We noticed on the 12th that her right back leg was being favored. She also had not been going in the litter box she had been peeing outside the litter box several times but she had me walking around OK. Talk to Vet on Monday, January 13, 2020 and her blood work came back fine they put her on prednisone and she is now eating but not drinking out of the water dish, I put water in with her wet cat food. And then we have to put her into the litter box so she can go do her thing. When she is done and she turns around she falls over. She walks around the house and stops and just stands there she can’t get up from a laying positionWithout struggling. She was a rescue so her age is between 7 to 10 years old we got her in 2015 she’s been fine up until a couple of days ago
Kitty
Cross
2 Months
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
My cat is 2 months of old. She had hind limb paralysis from 2weeks. And olso having abdominal pain during palpation. When we give deworming she became recovered. But after 2 weeks she showing similar symptoms like previous.there is a another cat of my neighbors, he also showing similar condition.are there any treatment for this condition?
Loto
European Shorthair
4 Months
Serious severity
0 found helpful
Serious severity
Has Symptoms
I have an outdoor kitten. He's around 4-5 months old. 2 weeks ago, he started showing signs of a cold. I feared he might have caught something (from his brother who had bacteria and took antibiotics). And i took him to the vet. He was given a couple of injections. He was scared and fussed a lot though! The vet gave me pills for home (antibiotics). I couldn't get him to eat anything. He got worse. Coughing. Sneezing. Legarthy. Loss of appetite. No fever. He stopped eating for like 5 days. I fed him stome yogurt one night and he started back on food slightly. I yook him to the vet again for 5 days. He was given more shots. The vet said he caught a virus because i missed his pills. I was feeling very guilty. I don't know if it's true. Anyway, he was getting better slightly. Back to eat and sniffing. Better appearance. No blackness around the mouth and nose. Still sneezing and shaking his head. I noticed he was weak while moving. His back legs kept giving out. While sitting,they slightly feels more extended outwards. He kept faltering while walking. I thought maybe because he was sitting all these days sick. But he now can't get on low edges, barely. He can still stand on his back legs but like when he's stretching they give out. I'm so worried for him. It's like he has no control of his lower part. They keep going right or left while he walks. The vet just gave him anesthetic today and said if it's trauma, he should get better. I'm scared it could be more, like a sensory disease. Does the virus he has got to do with this? Is it just a fall? I can't get him a scan or x-ray. Any help please? (PS: I'm not sure about his breed!)
Leg Paralysis Average Cost
From 397 quotes ranging from $500 - $4,000
Average Cost
$1,800
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