older cat, back legs going out

jdollprincess

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Do you know if the vet checked his potassium levels? Low potassium is a pretty common cause of hind end weakness in older cats and is easily fixed with supplements. If it is arthritis you could try cosequin which is a glucosamine supplement for cats the you sprinkle in the food everyday. It usually takes a few weeks to take effect so don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate improvement. You can order it pretty cheap on Amazon.
 

cataan

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A cat I had who suffered from terrible arthritis in his hips was given a daily pain killer prescribed by the vet:  the next day he was up on the sofa where he had not been in well over a year.  Even if the arthritis itself isn't treated/cured, pain relief meds can go a long way to make your cat happy.
 

scullynmaxmom

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My cat Basil was having problems walking with his back legs. First thing I looked up said diabetes, so we went to the vet. I had to start giving him a very low dose of insulin, and the vet forced some science diet wet food on me, telling me it was the only way he would ever change his situation. I was blessed to find The Feline Diabetes Message Board online, and they had a wealth of knowledge to share. Neither cat would touch the vet food, so I switched to Fancy Feast Classics (pate-no sauce or gravy) and within 9 days Basil was taken off insulin.  I too began doing regular bloodwork checks at home using a glucometer, and 4 years later he is happy and healthy. The muscular damage to his back legs eventually corrected itself, and he races around like a kitten when we play.

It can be hard when you are financially strapped to do the best thing for your pet.  I have learned over time, to stop, observe, and research before panicking.

Just a week ago I noticed a spot of scabby skin on my younger cat. The fur was gone and it looked painful. My first thought was ringworm-which sent me into a panic, knowing how contagious it is and how expensive and long it takes to treat it.  But then I decided that as neither cat goes outside and have not been exposed to anyone having it, and neither I or Basil had any signs of it, that it may be something more simple. The next day there was an adjacent spot without scabs, but just no fur.  I began researching and applied Lamisil cream, which treats fungal infections of the skin. Poor cat was made to wear a sweater to keep from licking it off, and in just 3 days the problem had cleared up.  Had I ran to the vet immediately I would have probably have been looking at a $300 bill, for the appointment, test and treatment. 
I'm so glad that I read this! one of my semi-ferals has started losing fur in spots around his head and neck. I didn't know what it could be, since it didn't look like ringworm. I'll check into this. He has beautiful long black fur and I hate that it looks so bad on his neck.
 

princessmombi

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No kidding if you cannot afford to have a cat treated properly or any other animal you own when it becomes old & ill or just ill, then you shouldn't have one at all. Most vets have payment plans and YOU NEED TO TAKE YOUR CAT TO THE VET, not sit there & hope some-one will tell you to have it put down!!
 

barbs

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I hope your pet is doing better.  I have been reading so many stories of cats losing the mobility in their rear legs.  I don't understand why they aren't  doing more research on the cause of this.  I want share my story with you I have lost two of my cats. My  heart is telling me it has to do something with the rabi  shot. (dosage or where it's administer)   My five year old cat when in for a regular check up and they gave her shot.  (which I wish I never did where she is indoor cat)  31/2 - 4 month later she  started losing the mobility in her rear legs.    My older cat  who was an outdoor cat was due for his shot.  My husband took him and I said to him  what happen to other cat  better not happen to this cat.  Never thinking it would happen.  Sure enough   3 1/2 - 4 months later same exact thing happen.  I contacted the Salem Animal Hospital in Salem, NH where they both were seen and told them what happen.  The only response from them we will have a staff meeting to discuss.   no compassionate or explanation.   I am upset to hear so many stories of this happening to other family pets.   When I hear it may be from kidney failure that is bull.  the only reason they are having kidney failure the poor things can't make it to the litter box.   
 

karenh

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I have a friend whose cat with diabetes lost the use of her hind legs as well. Perhaps the vet can run the blood test for diabetes only.
 

karenh

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I am so sorry this happened to you. It is very interesting and confirmed my belief about too many vaccines
 

kittens mom

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I hope your pet is doing better.  I have been reading so many stories of cats losing the mobility in their rear legs.  I don't understand why they aren't  doing more research on the cause of this.  I want share my story with you I have lost two of my cats. My  heart is telling me it has to do something with the rabi  shot. (dosage or where it's administer)   My five year old cat when in for a regular check up and they gave her shot.  (which I wish I never did where she is indoor cat)  31/2 - 4 month later she  started losing the mobility in her rear legs.    My older cat  who was an outdoor cat was due for his shot.  My husband took him and I said to him  what happen to other cat  better not happen to this cat.  Never thinking it would happen.  Sure enough   3 1/2 - 4 months later same exact thing happen.  I contacted the Salem Animal Hospital in Salem, NH where they both were seen and told them what happen.  The only response from them we will have a staff meeting to discuss.   no compassionate or explanation.   I am upset to hear so many stories of this happening to other family pets.   When I hear it may be from kidney failure that is bull.  the only reason they are having kidney failure the poor things can't make it to the litter box.   
Reactions to vaccines are not usually considered unless it happens in the first few hours. I do not think that it is a coincidence that Kitten developed medial issues after being give the 3 year with the adjuvant in it. And then of course the same vet gave her an overdose of baytril orally and we suspect the same bad math was used for the injection.

For the original poster. Perhaps you could call the ASPCA and they could direct you to a low cost vet clinic. Fixing it now may mean more years of life or give you an answer to your question that you'll feel comfortable about. While vets like to use modern diagnostics a good one can still get a lot of information by a physical exam and good information coming from the owner.
 

barbs

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They did the full blood work on him.  The results show no sign of diabetes and all blood work came back normal.
 

momofmaxwell

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Hi Smokey.

I work with many people all over the world & do understand foreign countries being so different from N.America.There is no comparison.Even food wise is limited unless you can order through amazon.Meds in some countries are banned and almost non existent.Please google video of cat walking on their hocks.

Here in N. America we often take things for granted.Having all meds,doctors,specialist's available to us.I deal with many who have a farm doctor.Doing precision surgery on not a cow but a kitten & truly cringe.But is reality.Rear leg weakness can also come from the heart.Which will not show up on BW or urine.But an echo.But that may be talking a foreign language in your country.

Hope your baby is feeling better soon.Hugs Cindy & Maxwell in Spirit
 

honey 1959

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I have been ready all the comments. I have a 16 year old orange  tabby Male that someone dumped at my house 3 years ago this past June. He is so sweet. He used to run to  meet me when I would come in from work.

I noticed about three weeks ago he didn't come to meet me, I went searching he finally came out from under the front porch! His eye was swollen shut. I took him to the vet to get some eye lotion to heal his eye.

The next week I noticed he was having trouble with his hind  legs. I took him back to the vet, eye still not open. She put him on two strong antibodics ( one was a steroid) the next week which was last week. He started dragging his hind legs and his appetite has declined! When I took his the first time to the vet she did a complete work up on him. One of his kidneys was twice the size it should be. One the second visit to the vet. his bladder was full.( I had told her he was in pain I could tell) he got the two antibodics and a small dosage of valium to relax him to use the bathroom. Well he goes ( in the bed I have him set up in with food and water very close). If I hold his back legs up and walk behind him he is fine. I go back to the doctor this Thursday. She mentioned last visit to think about putting him down. This I don't want to do but I don't want him suffering. I just want to make sure she has done all for him before we go to that choice.

I know his age plays a big part in all of this. He has been inside the house the whole time and I have always brought him in when it was winter. I just have to contain him in my bedroom because my grandson is allergic to cats! This past three weeks has been hard... I am not looking forward to Thursday.
 

jmarkitell

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Does the vet, or you, have any idea what is wrong with his eye...was it an injury or just an infection? Did the vet do any blood work? I know it isn't cheap, but it should give a better idea of his prognosis. 16 is old for a cat but many live a lot longer. My 19 year old female has begun to limp a little and she has some difficulty when jumping, so it isn't unusual for cats, like people, to have problems with their legs as old age approaches.

   I too would wait to exhaust every option before putting your kitty to sleep...I get very strongly attached to my cats and the final trip to the vets is my last possible option, unless it is a necessity due to trauma or injury. Hope for the best and make your kitty's days as pleasant as you can...if the time comes, you will know that you did the best that could be done and you won't second guess yourself (as much) later on. I wish you the best of health and outcomes

Jim 
 

mservant

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@Honey 1959   This thread is quite an old one and many of the people who have posted may not be around any more to advise, but hopefully you will get the advice and support that you and your cat need.  I agree with JMarkitell that it is worth checking out all the options before making any decisions, and knowing what your vet thinks is happening is very helpful in making any decisions.   With the toilet accident - is it possible it happened because the litter was too difficult to get to?

I too had older cats, one reached almost 18 and her sister another 4 years after her - she went off her legs suddenly one day at the good age of 21.   She had arthritis and was almost blind because high blood pressure had damaged her sightv - it had also damaged her kidneys but they responded well to medication.  With her the vet thought is was probably a boney spur pressing on her spinal cord and he gave her an anti-inflamatory injection which helped her greatly.  She did get back on her feet but found things very hard because of her sight not being good.   With older cats it can be very useful to know if eyesight and hearing are still good because they really help a cat to move around and have confidence to walk.  There are many things a vet can tell without lots of invasive or expensive tests and help you decide what would be best.

When I decided it was time to say goodbye to Pal it was after a lot of discussion with the vet about what all of her health issues were, and from watching her, how happy and content she seemed.   She was with me far longer than I would ever have expected.
 

cats163

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My older cat, Skeezex, is headed out I think




She's about 16 now and I've noticed the past week or so that she seems to be losing the use of her hindlegs.

She slips alot on them and walks very very slow. This happened to another cat of mine too about this age, he eventually couldn't use them at all and we had to have him put down because he seemed to be in alot of pain/miserable.

I just noticed some cat urine on the wood floor in the room she sleeps in so I'm worried she's losing function of all her hind parts. My other cat had been given some sort of shot to supposedly help the muscles in that area but it seemed to speed the process along instead of help it so I dont really want to do that again.

I'm going to bring her litter box to a more accessable place for her so she's more comfortable. She doesn't seem very happy right now. She was always running around and hunting and playing and she can't do that now. She was also always very vocal whenever anyone came near her/pet her, and she isn't doing that hardly at all. I don't want her to suffer.. Is getting her put down the best way to go?
 

mrsty

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I feel for you, I lost my 16 year old earlier this year. I personally always choose for my cats not to suffer if I think they are or are close to the end, but of course everyone needs to make their own decisions for their pets. Sometimes you can find a local vet through the Internet that will come to your home to put pets down. I've done that the last couple times and find that it is first and foremost, one less stress for the cat having to go to the vet's office, and secondly, a little less stressful for me not having to bring them in. It can be a bit more expensive though. If you feel you are doing the right thing, I'm sure you are. Peace to you.
 

nubby-bouda

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You are the best person to decide when. My 16 year old tabby, Nubbie, passed away just this late Friday night Dec.16, he eventually had to have help getting places because of his back legs were going out and also tinkled a little. He died at home wasn't in pain that I could tell. Happened gradually then suddenly. He was next to me getting petted in his favourite spot in his "boxy " that he loved along with his catnip ball, his favourite toy. Everyone said think of him not you think she seems unhappy, in pain, or sad, if your little cutie is probably telling you something in the special way they can communicate with the one that was always there for them and loves. After the new year, I am going to see if I am ready to have another tabby allow me in his heart. I will try adoption this time of cat instead of kitten. People always say this way they already developed their personality and wanted my cairn terrier, Behr, and the tabby to make friends with eachother the same way Nubbie and Behring were but I'll see. Sometimes you can't nplannthese things they pick you. I also had a tuxedo cat, Booda, who passes in April 2016 the same way. He was 16 years old also and Nubbie, Booda, and Behr (8 years old) were the best pals so I know Behr will get along with the tabby but I wouldn't know until the kitten is a cat if the tabby would like Behr. Booda and Nubbie were raised from kittens together with an adult cairn terrier who has since passed and they all got along so I just know what's right. Well I took too much of your tiime and would like to express to you my complete sympathy. It will be hard. Thank you for letting me know I'm not alone.
 

ekmitch

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​I did about  $900 worth of tests on my cat.  We tested diabetes, thyroid, took x-rays, etc.  We still have no idea what it is.  He suggested a nuerologist.   She seems very happy and content.  She tries to make to the litter box - she makes it there.  She just can't get in and goes on the floor in front of it.  She lays on her cat bed all day and night, can't get in bed with us anymore, but she seems still happy and purrs all the time.  So I know you're dilemma.  I spent all that money & still don't know what's wrong.  I look at their happiness & quality of life.  Right now my cat's isn't great, but she seems to be happy, so I can't  do it right now.  Although cleaning the floor 3 times a day is getting to my quality of life, lol.  I'm not complaining, but trying to make light of a very diffuclt time.  You are not a jerk, but not everyone can spend all that money & sometimes you still don't know what is going on.  Many prayers for you and your little fur ball.
 

betsy777

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Years ago my Duffy suddenly lost control of his back legs. He was dragging them but didn't seem to be in pain. We took him to the vet & found that he was seriously deficient in taurine. He was treated with supplements for several weeks & recovered totally. He lived for 10 more years, till the age of 16. It was very scary but thankfully not as bad as it could have been. Hope your kitty is doing better.
 

young again

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​I did about  $900 worth of tests on my cat.  We tested diabetes, thyroid, took x-rays, etc.  We still have no idea what it is.  He suggested a nuerologist.   She seems very happy and content.  She tries to make to the litter box - she makes it there.  She just can't get in and goes on the floor in front of it.  She lays on her cat bed all day and night, can't get in bed with us anymore, but she seems still happy and purrs all the time.  So I know you're dilemma.  I spent all that money & still don't know what's wrong.  I look at their happiness & quality of life.  Right now my cat's isn't great, but she seems to be happy, so I can't  do it right now.  Although cleaning the floor 3 times a day is getting to my quality of life, lol.  I'm not complaining, but trying to make light of a very diffuclt time.  You are not a jerk, but not everyone can spend all that money & sometimes you still don't know what is going on.  Many prayers for you and your little fur ball.
You are have a kind heart and are to be commended for taking such good care of your kitty. Have you considered puppy pads placed outside the litter box? They are used for training dogs or for dogs who live in a big city and the owner may not want to take them out for a walk in the middle of the night.

For the hind leg issue have you also tested the potassium blood level?
 
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