My cat is walking on one hock...

My 11 year old, diabetic cat, Simon, has been limping for over a week now. After a visit to the vet last week, we discovered he is walking on his back left hock. The vet checked his Fructosamine levels and was able to rule out diabetic neuropathy. She also gave me some glucosamine treats and metacam (kitty advil) in case his limp was caused by arthritis. After a few days, his limp did not get any better so I started doing some research of my own. I read that potassium levels could cause a cat to walk on his hock. I brought Simon back to the vet for a second exam. The vet checked him out again and did not see any evidence of a broken bone, he has good range of motion in both legs and his reflexes are good. After taking a second blood sample, we have ruled out potassium levels, kidney, liver and thyroid functions. The vet now wants me to bring him in for a 3rd appointment to have x-rays taken. Unfortunately, they can't get him in until next week. Has anyone ever seen a cat with only one "dropped hock" before? Do you have any idea what may cause this or if there's something I can do at home to help my boy?

The only time I have ever seen a cat walk on it's hocks, it would walk on both not one. The couple times I've seen it, the cats have been diabetic and it was diabetic neropothy. However those cats were not being given their insulin regularly.

Sorry your guy's having problems. I have no experience with this whatsoever, but whatever you do, don't give him any more Metacam. That stuff is dangerous and can cause renal failure. You can search this forum for Metacam and get more info than you want to know.

Thanks for the advice. He was on the metacam for 5 days and is not currently on any medication (except insulin). I've been putting heat on his hind legs and hips and gently massaging his legs and the limp seems to have gotten a bit better. I'm thinking he may have simply sprained something but I guess time will tell...