Kitten - limp which has shifted between legs

Hi all, I really need advice please.

We have a new male kitten, only 9 weeks old and had vaccinations 5 days ago. This morning I noticed he was limping on his left leg a little. He doesn't cry out in pain and can put some weight on it. I very gently ran my fingers down it to check for any lumps and he did not pull away or show any signs of pain, he can flex it fine and I saw him washing with it too. So assumed really it was a little sprain as he has been playing around leaping off things etc. I have kept him on a heat pad all day and thought perhaps he would need a bit of rest. So I have checked on him throughout the day and he is still eating and using the litter tray. Just half an hour ago though, he was walking and now it seems he is limping on the right leg? It was definitely the left this morning. Why would this be? He still doesn't seem in pain with it and can put some weight on the paws although a little reluctant and wobbly when walking. He doesn't have any other symptoms... If anyone thinks this is serious, I will of course take him to the vets. But as I thought it was a sprain, I believe they would just ask that he rests and keep an eye on it for a few days? x

I've heard of calicivirus causing kittens to limp. It is one of the two main viruses that cause "cat flu" (the other being herpes). You say he's just been vaccinated, and it is one of the ones you can vaccinate against, but as I understand it the vaccinations can't completely prevent kittens getting cat flu, but do give them some protection and may help them get over it faster... other symptoms to watch out for if it is calicivirus would be the usual URI symptoms (sneezing etc) and mouth ulcers. Personally I'd be taking him to the vet just because it could be cat flu and if it is, they might be able to give you better advice about managing the symptoms.

"Limping syndrome" might also be caused by the vaccine for calicivirus. One of my cats had this for a couple weeks, and at times it was so bad she could barely walk. It did eventually clear up (after going back and forth between her front legs) and she's had no other problems since (this was over a year ago). I don't know if it would be worth a vet visit unless there are other concurrent symptoms like a loss of appetite, or it doesn't resolve on its own in a few days. Sometimes vets will prescribe anti-inflammatories if it's really bad, but those have potential for serious side effects and I'd only use them as a last resort. 

http://www.forestcats.net/articles/article_limping_syndrome.html

Yes, it is a form of calicivirus, and a mild one at that, thankfully!

It passes through their system in about 3 days, just watch to make certain he stays well hydrated, as this is what will make it much more serious.

Some vets put them on antibiotics, but honestly not needed as long as I said, he is well hydrated.

Scary looking though isn't it?

My kitten had this limping kitten syndrome a few days after vaccinations and while it was scary, within a few days he was all better again.

This is my thread when I went through a litter of kittens who got this.

It should be quite helpful

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/249251/...me-anyone-familiar-with-this-strain-of-calici

Thank you all for your replies, you have put my mind at rest a little. Bless him he still has it today, but is purring, eating and going to the toilet ok. He is still very lethargic though and goes straight back to his bed after he has eaten. I think it has improved very slightly, although cant be sure as he might just be putting a brave face on. I think if its no better tomorrow I will definitely take him to the vets. I don't want to frighten him, or have the vet give him more nasty medicine if its unnecessary, but from all of your replies and googling the side effects of the vaccine myself, it does sound right... x

Hi All

Just wanted to let you know he has improved quite a bit and was out playing with his sister a little this afternoon (I did supervise so he didn't over-exert). He is still walking with a bit of a limp, but definite improvement from this morning and has a bit more energy . I kept putting him in his bed, but he kept coming out as he didn't want to miss the action, bless him. Eating really well too.

Fingers and paws crossed this was just a blip and he will be back to 'normal' soon...

x

Good news.

Once this left, my Gryffin was back to being a hyperactive kitten and has not stopped since!! So if this disappears, it will be a forgotten blip and nothing more.

Hi all pleased to report he is back to his normal self now running around like a lunatic!!! Thank goodness!!!! Xxx