older cat, back legs going out

scissorchik

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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. 
 

smokey46

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Well, this is one of the those posts that I felt I needed to follow up on. I have a cat here in Haiti that was a feral cat that I started to take care of. Tranquilo is the sweetest cat I have ever met; not just saying that because I am a cat lover. It truly is his personality which is amazing considering the suffering he has had to endure in this country.  He is about 3 years old but is acting like the age of some of the cats mentioned in this post. He is very, very thin, eating very little, no energy, doesn't really like to be touched (very unusual for him) back legs seem to be moving similar to a little rabbit hop.  I am so frustrated because I don't have the level of vet care I would get back in Canada. I am left to figure things out on my own. Any ideas of what I may be dealing with here especially considering that he is not an old cat.
 

siold

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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?
I'm so sorry to hear that.


I know how scary it can be when something is medically wrong with your cat. Have you had her tested for diabetes? It could also be a feline aortic thromboembolism. He might have epilepsy, too. Could he have experienced any trauma? She is going to need special care. I recommend having her tested for diabetes. But, I've also heard read this can be caused by a feline aortic thromboembolism. It will cause a lot of pain. Please keep us updated. I personally don't believe in euthanasia.
 

lene

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This happened years ago to my male cat.........came home one night and he was dragging his hind legs......found an emergency vet (they were rare in those days) and a friend rushed me there but he died anyway.  So I think maybe do the hard thing (for you) and put the poor thing out of his misery............otherwise it might be a very expensive ordeal for you both with probably no good outcome.  Sorry.........these decisions are never, never easy..........
 

siold

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Thiamine deficiency will cause muscle weakness.

Actually, any deficiency of any one of the B Vitamins can and will cause muscle weakness.

This happened to Tesla once.
 

smokey46

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Hi....great info! I will see what I can about his tongue etc. And, yes, I did write about the worms. It seems it may have been ringworm, a fungal infection all over him. I have been treating him for this for a few months now and all but two patches are growing fur again. Now the latest is  his energy level, his back hing legs and very, very frail looking and he is only about 3 years old. He is a very sweet natured cat which is surprising considering the suffering he has endured living in Haiti but lately he is less social and not as anxious to be petted. I have noted, however, he is more eager to eat canned food than the dry stuff so I have been trying to get him more of it even though it is more expensive and the other two outdoor cats try to take it from him.  I may see if I can track down some liver....not seen it here in Haiti but I haven't really looked hard. They eat mostly goat here.
 

animalpal2014

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TO LENE:  
LENE: "This happened years ago to my male cat.........came home one night and he was dragging his hind legs......found an emergency vet (they were rare in those days) and a friend rushed me there but he died anyway.  So I think maybe do the hard thing (for you) and put the poor thing out of his misery............otherwise it might be a very expensive ordeal for you both with probably no good outcome.  Sorry.........these decisions are never, never easy.........."
I am so sorry for the sudden and unexpected loss of your cat. It must have been very traumatic.  

It sounds like your cat had a Saddle Thrombosis - a blood clot lodged in an artery blocking blood flow to the hind legs (and more).  Because - his hind-leg problem came about very suddenly - and resulted in death quickly.  (Is this what your vet told you?).  A Saddle Thrombosis is not just a "weakening" of the hind legs - but a weakening because of lack of blood flow to the hind quarters.

You made the right decision to rush your cat to a vet, as sometimes, even a devastating clot can be treated - if treated QUICKLY.  (Although, apparently, prognosis is generally not very good.)

But, I disagree with your advice to just give up on a cat with Saddle Thrombosis - Euthanasia is not necessarily the way to go.  It depends on the specific scenario.

Prognosis for a serious Thrombosis - is generally not very good.  But, with a smaller Thrombosis - or - with Good Luck with Meds/Treatments (!) - it can be.

The conditions I tried to help with advice here - sound like they could possibly be leg muscle weakness - possibly caused by inadequate nutrition or neurological problems - which often go undiagnosed.  And, they can possibly be more easily treated and reversed.  [I also saw that there was already at least one recommendation to rush a cat to the vet in case there is a blood clot. The options I offered may help - if this is NOT a blood clot.  I assume people looking for help - read everything.  But, maybe it is better to give another push here for people to have a cat with leg mobility problems - seen by a vet ASAP.]
JDollPrincess  "I know this is a very old thread but for anyone searching I just wanted to make a comment. If your cat all the sudden can not use its hind limbs rush it to the nearest ER vet esp if their crying and/or there limbs are cold. Blood clots are horribly painful and they need immediate pain meds and blood thinners."
Yes, it is possible that the cats of SMOKEY46 and FLYTE could have/have had a Saddle Thrombosis - even if this condition is/was ongoing, and the back legs are/were not totally immobilized.  It could still possibly be a clot - but, maybe "smaller". 

SMOKEY46 really should get his cat to a vet ASAP.  If it is a Saddle Thrombosis - the cat IS in pain.  Pain from the clot may be what is causing the cat to not eat well - and to avoid being touched.  But, I don't think euthanasia is the way to go.  I believe a small clot is much easier to treat than a large one, and has a much better prognosis than the "norm".

And, apparently, Thrombosis is often associated with existing Heart Disease, which should also be checked for and treated.

Jackie Page
 
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animalpal2014

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TO SMOKEY46:
Hi....great info! I will see what I can about his tongue etc. And, yes, I did write about the worms. It seems it may have been ringworm, a fungal infection all over him. I have been treating him for this for a few months now and all but two patches are growing fur again. Now the latest is  his energy level, his back hing legs and very, very frail looking and he is only about 3 years old. He is a very sweet natured cat which is surprising considering the suffering he has endured living in Haiti but lately he is less social and not as anxious to be petted. I have noted, however, he is more eager to eat canned food than the dry stuff so I have been trying to get him more of it even though it is more expensive and the other two outdoor cats try to take it from him.  I may see if I can track down some liver....not seen it here in Haiti but I haven't really looked hard. They eat mostly goat here.
RINGWORM:  Glad you treated the Ringworm. But - Ringworm is not a worm.  It is a fungus. 

I'm concerned about internal worms (Roundworms, Hookworms, Flukeworms, Tapeworms, etc) which can gobble up all his nutrition.  And - If you used a medication on his skin for the Ringworm instead of a safe, natural treatment (Like Colloidal Silver) - it is possible he licked some of it off - which maybe could have reactions in his body (causing inappetance, et al). 

An outdoor cat should be treated for worms regularly.  Especially in a warm climate,  And - checked for Flukeworms (probably rampant in Haiti).  Flukeworms can be really deadly - invading virtually all organs - and eating all food ingested by the cat !!      (You - and your other animals - won't catch Flukes from him if he has them - they would need to be ingested WHOLE.  But, the transmittable form of Fluke Worms ("cercariae" - like "larvae") - is often rampant in standing waters in warm climates - and in the meat of animals infected - who drink from that water - or eat foods washed with that water.  If your outside cat eats an animal (like a mouse, a fish, a bird, etc) that is infected with Flukes - he will get Fluke worm.)  A strong possibility in Haiti.

NEXT:  Quote:
JDollPrincess  "I know this is a very old thread but for anyone searching I just wanted to make a comment. If your cat all the sudden can not use its hind limbs rush it to the nearest ER vet esp if their crying and/or there limbs are cold. Blood clots are horribly painful and they need immediate pain meds and blood thinners."
SMOKEY - It is possible that your cat COULD have a Saddle Thrombosis - even without total immobilization of the back legs.  And, even if the "bad legs" are ongoing. 

If it is a Saddle Thrombosis - the cat IS in pain.  He would need PAIN MEDICATIONS - and Blood Thinners.

Pain from the clot may be what is causing the cat to not eat well - and to avoid being touched. (Pain from Flukes can cause both of these too.)

This cat needs to be seen by a vet.

But, even if it is a clot - I don't think euthanasia is the way to go.  I believe a small clot is much easier to treat than a large one, and has a much better prognosis than the "norm".

SMOKEY, The suggestions I sent you - may do the job for this cat - if this is NOT a blood clot.  But,

I THINK YOU CAN NO LONGER AVOID BRINGING THIS CAT IN TO A VET

1.  Get this cat to a vet  - ASAP - to check him for a Saddle Thrombosis.   (They may be able to diagnose without costly tests). 

          And, they MAY be able to treat it with inexpensive items like Vitamin C - or- VERY Low-Doses of Aspirin

         (Don't use aspirin without a vet overseeing - it can easily kill your cat!  Especially if he also has liver damage from Flukeworms)

          And, apparently, Thrombosis is often associated with existing Heart Disease, which should also be checked for and treated.

2.  Get this cat to a vet - ASAP to check him for Fluke Worms (Including blood Flukes, Lung Flukes, Sheep Flukes, Deer Flukes, et al.  Flukes "belonging" in other

          animals - CAN live in cats, too.  And, they can easily kill cats.     Worms can easily be missed in standard worming tests.  ESPECIALLY FLUKES - as they

          need a Sedimentation Test (NOT the normal  flotation Test) - and - because they have a weird Life Cycle.  [If Flukes cannot be confirmed - Vet may still be willing to

         give some Fluke medication - such as Praziquantel (which will also kill Tapeworms - since this is a rather safe wormer.  Dittto for other wormers for Roundworm,

         Hookworm.  Hopefully enough for you to treat the cats regularly]

     You say you don't trust the vets in Haiti.  But, he really needs to see a vet. Maybe a vet clinic - where you may be able to get multiple vets to see him. 

        So - to put your mind at ease - you can doublecheck info from your vets for yourself on the internet.  (eg. Flukes need a different dosage/duration than

        Tapeworm.  And - even if the cat has Sheep Flukes, Deer Flukes, et al -  Wormers that are meant for these animals - should not be used in cats.  They are dangerous

        for cats.  Praziquantel appears to be the safest.  Internet Research can also help with knowing what questions to ask your vet!

     I suggest going to multiple sites - as - some will differ on advice - or - add MORE helpful info. 

     But, I think that vets in Haiti - should be familiar with all sorts of Flukes! and Treatments!

     And - If you want INEXPENSIVE WORMING MEDICATIONS for ongoing treatments - you can get them from Dr. Arthur Wells.  He is in Florida, but, ships very quickly, and, can also help with worming-related advice, dosing intervals/amounts.   DO include info on all the cat's possible health

     conditions - and - on his environment, and his current physical condition.

3.  SUB-CUTANEOUS FLUIDS:  Since this cat is not eating much - he may also be dehydrated.  (Worms can also cause dehydration.) 

     Dehydration can further destroy his appetite. 

     You can check this easily with a "Pinch Test"  Your vet can show you how.  And, your vet can send you home with a Subcutaneous Fluids setup - to give him fluids at

     home.       (Let vet show you how to warm up fluids in warm water, and how to administer.)

     It's easy - once you do it once.  And, with a prescription - you can get future fluids cheaper on the internet.

     I often also add some Unflavored Pedialyte to drinking water to help replace electrolytes.  If he's seriously dehydrated - he may need both.  I'm guessing this cat is

       seriously dehydrated.

4.  Also - look at my post to LENE in this discussion sent 1-24.

With Fluke Worms - the increase nutrition from supplements and High-Iron foods - won't really "fix" your cat.  But - it can help. 

IN ANY CASE - You need to get more food into him.  You can check cat-food cans for appropriate amounts for a "normal" cat.  A cat with worms - needs MORE! 

You may not be able to get him up to the right level right away.  It may take a few days. 

Are you able to handle him well enough to HAND-FEED HIM?  FORCE-FEED HIM?  From the sound of his condition -

If this cat doesn't eat more - he will probably die soon.   Either from Liver Failure - or - from starvation!   Feed him whatever he likes best - even if it's not ideal.  The most important thing right now is to GET CALORIES INTO HIM - as many as possible.  If he doesn't have diarrhea - you can add some UNSALTED butter to his food.  Butter has a lot of calories - and - cats usually like it.  (If he gets diarrhea on it - cut back on the butter - and/or add Baby Rice Cereal to his food (Melts instantly in wet foods). 

You may have to bring him indoors and keep him in a cage to be able to Hand-Feed him.  He'll start avoiding you if he's free to run.

TO START: I would use Gerber's Baby Food (Chicken with Gravy, Beef with Gravy).  You can add supplements easily to this food, he will digest it easily, and, it will feed easily through a feeding syringe.  Or, you can use a rubber-coated baby spoon (especially if you start adding cat food or real food.  eg. You can mash liver & add in.).

I suggest starting with small portions (unless he wants more) - and feeding him several times throughout the day.

If he throws up (which you can MONITOR in a cage) - your vet MAY want to suggest some Pepcid AC to quiet stomach acids.  Let vet recommend dosage.

If he has Diarrhea (which you can MONITOR in a cage) - you can add some baby rice cereal to his food. 

RE: LIVER:   If the Goat Liver is organic - this would be OK.  BE SURE TO COOK ANY LIVER THOROUGHLY.  The liver is a prime organ for Flukeworms to invade. 

And, Haiti, being a very warm country - is very likely to have Fluke Worms in many of its waters - and animals.  (Also, cook any Beef, et al - thoroughly. Flukes are found in muscle meat too.).  You can also get All-Liver/HIgh-Liver cat foods - Check on Petfooddirect.  Don't know if they ship to Haiti.  Someone MUST.

If I repeat myself above - please forgive.  I am very tired/sleepy.

Jackie Page
 
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animalpal2014

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My cat is 13. She started out with a UTI. We did blood work and everything came back good but she never got over the UTI. We did 2 shots of antibiotics. She started walking low to the ground and just laying around. We went back to the vet for X-rays. A mass was found in her chest and arthritis in her spine. She was given a steroid shot and fluids but nothing really changed besides she started eating again. She just continued to lose her ability to walk. Her legs are completely stiff now. She eats and doesn't seem to be in pain though. I don't understand how her legs going stiff would have anything to do with the mass in her chest. The vet doesn't really know either. Any ideas?
Here's 2 Wild Thoughts.  Maybe good for jumping off points:

1.  Bartonellosis can cause growths - topically - and inside the body - virtually anywhere.  Internally - they can appear to be non-carcinogenic tumors (and, I believe - can grow pretty large).

     Bartonellosis usually doesn't manifest strongly in cats, but, I believe it can.  Especially if it is a co-infection with Lyme Disease (which often causes arthiritis).  

      It doesn't necessarily cause pain internally - but, it can.  (A few years ago - I had SEVERE pain in a spot in the middle right of my abdomen (which would come - stay for a while, and then go). 

       No other symptoms.   This went on for many, many months. And, when the pain hit - it was incapacitating - like a lightening strike that DID NOT GO AWAY.  I would double over in pain.

             I was checked by an internist, a GI Doctor (including a colonoscopy), a Gynecologist.  But, no one could find anything wrong with me.

      Now that I know about Bartonellosis - I believe that this may have been Bartonellosis - that had formed some sort of small, soft lump, bump or red line (Not easily detectible) - on my ovary or my

          kidney - or nearby.  It wasn't always painful. (I could have had other Bartonellosis "gifts" elsewhere - that were never noticed - as there was no pain.)  But, I have some topical areas that are

          ALMOST ALWAYS painful.  Including one TINY Red "Unnoticeable" Line on my toe - that sometimes generates enough pain for a bad toothache!

     Is it possible that Bartonellosis could be affecting your cat's kidneys - causing the UTI to remain - and - maybe causing her pain - that radiates to her abdomen - making it painful for her

        to use her legs?            (When I've had Kidney Stone Attacks - my abdomen is has ALWAYS very bloated and with a LOT of pain throughout.  So much - that even moving a pinky -

       literally - has caused horrific pain in my abdomen.)

     Topical Bartonellosis - In people - can cause small lumps, red lines, rashes, brown spots, pus infections, and inflammation - anywhere on the body - but, especially obvious in the feet - which

          are very painful - sometimes like I've been burned - sometimes like SHARP, focused lightening strikes.  I have Lyme Disease - and, EXTENSIVE symptoms of Bartonellosis (Including testing

          positive for Bartonella Bacteria).  I have trouble walking - because - there is very sensitive inflammation UNDER my feet - on the soles and in my arches - and - there are lumps, bumps, and

         red lines on the top of my toes, my arches, and elsewhere).   Don't know if cats can have anything equivalent.

      And, there is pain that goes up my legs.          So my walk is often stiff. 

     Lyme+Bartonellosis may exhibit differently in cats - but, there may be similarities. 

2.  Your cat's leg stiffness seems to have come right after the antibiotic injection.

          a) Some antibiotics can cause tendons to become seriously damaged (even months after usage!).  (Cephalexin, Azithromycin - and others)  What Antibiotic was used on her?  .

          b) Some antibiotics can damage the urinary tract (eg. Azithromycin).  This COULD explain the chronic UTI.

          b) What about Benzyl Alcohol - which is sometimes used in injectible meds.  This is toxic for cats.  Don't know if can cause these symptoms.

PS:  In people, Azithromycin needs to be used for many weeks/months to knock out Bartonellosis. (I THINK I read that the injectible form is not even effective for this - that the oral form should be used.  Not sure.) 

If your cat has Bartonellosis - maybe the treatment wasn't long enough - or should have been oral.  And - maybe a cat cannot tolerate

         weeks of Azithromycin in any case!  (I think Azith can affect the kidneys and heart adversely.)

I feel for your cat (And, for you!). I think she MAY have some pain.  I hope not.

If you ever discover what the problem is - I would appreciate your sharing that info. 

Jackie Page
 

smokey46

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Thanks for the thoughts.  I wish it were that simple....just take the cat to a vet.  Unfortunately it is not that easy in a country like Haiti. Vet care, like human medical care, is not very good, in some cases non-existent.  Very frustrating. 
 

betsygee

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Please note that this thread is over 10 years old and the original poster is probably long gone by now.

MOD NOTE:   Remember that supplements and herbal remedies can be very potent and can cause adverse reactions in some cats. You should always consult your vet about any treatment, whether nutritional, natural or alternative and keep in mind they can interact with other treatments your cat receives and cause problems.

Also, if you are considering adding raw or cooked food to your cat's diet, please read this first:  http://www.thecatsite.com/t/282314/recommending-a-homemade-diet-hold-your-horses and especially check out the forum dedicated to this topic:  http://www.thecatsite.com/f/65/raw-home-cooked-cat-food
 
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animalpal2014

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TO SMOKEY 46:

So, are you saying that you never take any of your animals to a vet? 

Even if most vet care is not very good ("in some cases nonexistent") - have you tried to identify any vet who may be accessible and "decent"? 

(Are there no veterinary hospitals at all??)

There has to be someone - who could diagnose and treat a blood clot.

If cat's hind legs show no sign of improvement - he really needs to be diagnosed properly.

Maybe you can at least contact Dr Wells to ask about worms.

And, how about the other "thoughts" - such as caging - so you can monitor this cat better (eg. Vomiting, Diarrhea) to help determine what is wrong with him,  and you can make sure he is getting

enough food into him?

Jackie Page
 
Thanks for the thoughts.  I wish it were that simple....just take the cat to a vet.  Unfortunately it is not that easy in a country like Haiti. Vet care, like human medical care, is not very good, in some cases non-existent.  Very frustrating. 
 

smokey46

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We have one of the 4 cats we are caring for that has had great vet care before leaving Canada/Costa Rica to move to Haiti. She is quite stunning and healthy compared to this Haitian cats who have had little to no vet care. I am still searching out a solution to the vet issue. There are many challenges to doing so but I haven't given up yet.

I have closely watched Tranquilo, who has been the one I have been discussing, and he does not have diarrhea. I know this for a fact because he sometimes does his business on my deck. He is eating and prefers to have human food over cat food but his weight is quite a bit less than the other outdoor cats. We also still have one side with a large portion of his fur missing. All the other 4-5 spots are clearing up and fur growing back in. I have been working on that issue for months now but at least there is some improvement.

Today I watched him walk and he is moving his back legs but in a shuffle kind of way, like an old person shuffling along. He did let me pick him up and he buried himself into my shoulder, wrapping his paw around my neck; anxious to be loved. He didn't want me to put him down. These are small improvements but they are encouraging nonetheless. He really wasn't wanting me to touch him for weeks now.

Thanks for you insights and suggestions. They are very helpful and just having someone to chat with about these issues makes the frustration of little to no vet care less stressful.
 

countingcats

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Thank you very much! I'm not sure the name of the antibiotic shot that she received twice. I did not know that it could cause damage. She had trouble with UTI's before and signs of arthritis. It is just very strange how fast she has lost mobility. We are going to try a medicine for the arthritis and see if that helps.
 

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TO COUNTING CATS:

You might want to contact the vet who gave her the antibiotic shots - and ask what antibiotics they were - and the brand - so that you can check out the antibiotic and all ingredients on the internet. Or - check the label at his/her office.  I don't know if this will help in treating her at this point, but, maybe it can give some insight.  eg. If you research the antibiotic thoroughly regarding potential for tendon damage -  and, if the shots did not contain any of the antibiotics that are known to cause damage to tendons - or any "iffy" ingredients - then - it's more likely that it's another cause.  (Although, it could be another underlying "weakness" - that made it easier for the "side-effects" of a "tendon risk" antibiotic to kick in.)

For the Arthritis -   Try putting a heating pad where your cat sleeps, set to LOW.  Too much heat may dissuade her.  Heat is very healing for arthritis pain.  And, cats are often drawn to sleeping on heating pads, as, most cats like the warmth.  You can wrap it in a soft scarf over it to make it even more appealing. Or - a flannel Pillow Case.  (It seems that most heating pads available - have an automatic 2-hour shut-off.  I found one on the Walmart Site - that allows you to set it to STAY ON. It was about $20.)   If your cat prefers COOL areas for sleeping, you may not be able to get her to sleep on the heating pad!  But, do try to keep her from sleeping in those cool areas (You can block them with Furniture, boxes, etc.).  Cool is NOT good for Arthritis.

And, you may want to try an "alternative" treatment:   "4Life Transfer Factor Classic Formula".   Most vets are not familiar with using Transfer Factor, although, holistic vets should know about it.  You may want to try a holistic vet for her in any case.

I've used this TF many times for my cats/kittens, others' animals, and for myself, with great success - in regular and high dosages. 

Or - I may be able to refer you - to a vet in Pennsylvania - who is not an alternative/holistic vet - but a TRADITIONAL VET - but, who uses Transfer Factor in her practice.  if your vet is interested in communicating with her on this - she generally will do Phone consults.

PS:  ANOTHER THOUGHT FOR POSSIBLE CONTRIBUTING CAUSES:   Do you use any products that contain Essential Oils???  That your cat an come in contact with (eg. by breathing in or licking paws).  Essential Oils can damage cats' kidneys - and more.

1.  eg. Cleaning products such as Pinesol - or others that contain essential oils? 

2.  Wood litters contain essential oils.  (eg. Feline Pine.  This company will tell you that the essential oils have been "burned out".  But, if you can still smell the

             pine odor - the essential oils are still there.  I have come across a few articles on the internet from cat owners - whose cats have had serious damage from FP.)

3.  Scented candles (and fragrances) contain essential oils.

Even without essential oils - many cleaning products contain ingredients that can be harmful to cats.  Check out each product by name - Plus all the ingredients individually - on the internet    - eg. "____________  Risks, Side-effects for cats".

Jackie Page
Thank you very much! I'm not sure the name of the antibiotic shot that she received twice. I did not know that it could cause damage. She had trouble with UTI's before and signs of arthritis. It is just very strange how fast she has lost mobility. We are going to try a medicine for the arthritis and see if that helps.
 
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eiluned

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I too have an older cat (13) that is having hind leg issues. We took him to the vet and all his blood work is good. No diabetes, liver or kidney issues. All high level organs tests are in good range.

Gave him a shot for arthritis - no good.

Gave him what the vet said was cortisone - did well but it wears off after 3 weeks. Doing worse now.

Unfortunately, I'm on reduced hours at work now and can not afford monthly shots.

Any suggestions? He doesn't appear to be in pain. Eats well. Just can't hold himself up on the back legs.
 

ldg

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So he responded to the steroid?

I don't know if this is less expensive, but it treated arthritis in two of my cats:

500mg of NOW Neptune Krill Oil at least once a day, given with about 200mg of Doctor's Best Curcumin C3 complex (the one combined with BioPerine). One cat ate the curcumin sprinkled on food and the krill oil capsule punctured and squished onto his food. The other cat didn't. I had to pill her the NOW capsule, and buy empty #3 gel caps to measure out 200mg of the curcumin in there.

Unfortunately, I'm not sure this is going to cost less than what was likely a depomedrol shot.
 
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