We have a beautiful 2 year old cat Fionn, who at one year of age started walking on his whole back leg (like a rabbit). This came and went a few times and the orthopedic specialist diagnosed knees that slipped out of joint and recommended surgery in the future. As we waited-Fionn started having other intermittent lameness, limping first with one leg than with the other. This went on for 10 months, giving meds for pain and inflammation, although never a clear sign he was in pain. Then he became unable to lift his head and staggered around--we sent videos to the orthopedic specialist who said it was looking like possible Myasthenia Gravis and we should see neurologist. Our vet tested for Myasthenia Gravis. We went on a short vacation (with cat sitter stopping in for Fionn and his sister Molly)--came back to Fionn very weak, signs he wasn't getting to litter box, not eating. Test results came back saying not Myasthenia Gravis. Called our vet and asked if she had any ideas to try as we waited for the neurology appointment--she had us come in and gave him a Vitamin B shot on the chance it might help. (Thiamine deficiency can cause weakness and neurological symptoms) Some improvement in 24 hours so continued shots for a week--in just two days looking best he had in a long time. Tried to stop and symptoms came back. Eventually was able to find a good Vitamin B capsule (Thorne), give half morning and half night. Eight months of no symptoms: no limping, good energy, running around, eating well!.
On the time or two I've tried to decrease his supplement to once a day I've seen signs of decreased appetite, more laying around and then a weird sitting posture of front legs on chair rung-which he only does when he is getting weak.
Fionn and his sister ate the same diet since we got them at 12 weeks of age-normal mainstream dry cat food. She has had no health issues at all. I think Fionn has some sort of difficulty metabolizing B vitamins--Thiamine and/or others. We don't have a diagnosis and I haven't been able to find anything on the internet that explains what's wrong with Fionn.
I know there is at least one person out there with a cat with similar issues (ordering same supplement form Amazon!). I'm interested to know if anyone else has a cat with similar problems. I would love to compare notes!
On the time or two I've tried to decrease his supplement to once a day I've seen signs of decreased appetite, more laying around and then a weird sitting posture of front legs on chair rung-which he only does when he is getting weak.
Fionn and his sister ate the same diet since we got them at 12 weeks of age-normal mainstream dry cat food. She has had no health issues at all. I think Fionn has some sort of difficulty metabolizing B vitamins--Thiamine and/or others. We don't have a diagnosis and I haven't been able to find anything on the internet that explains what's wrong with Fionn.
I know there is at least one person out there with a cat with similar issues (ordering same supplement form Amazon!). I'm interested to know if anyone else has a cat with similar problems. I would love to compare notes!