Senior with Plantigrade Front Paw

Hello all,

I'm a lurker. Finally decided to join, but I've been sneaking peeks at the forums for years now. My 15yo cat (16 in January), Tucker James, has a flat tire in the front. Now, we've been to the vet, blood work came out "beautiful" according to her. Tried to get a urine sample, but the well was dry at the time. The vet thinks it may be arthritis, so we'll begin injections next week. So, while I am elated that it is not diabetes, I am curious as to whether or not any of your have seen a cat with onset arthritis develop a flat front paw. He doesn't seem to hurt, gallops around the house, jumps into the windows and bed (with the use of the steps I set up for him a year or two ago), and when I manipulate the paw, he doesn't flinch or show discomfort.

Does this sound like arthritis to you?

I'm not sure, never had a cat show that symptom. But why undergo treatment if he's not hurting?

Is your cat declawed? By any chance? Because I have heard declawing can cause their feet to walk flatter.

He is declawed in the front (not my decision), but that happened 14 years ago. I can't imagine that suddenly his tendons and joints noticed and pushed him to walk on his wrist. As for treating now, I know that having one foot flatter than the other will inevitably lead to strain and twisting on his shoulders and back if this stance is kept up. I'd rather treat him for a month, check for signs of improvement and move on from there.

I'm wondering if there's like a glucosamine type supplement for cats like their is for people. I'm also wondering if there's any chance he is hypothyroid, because in people that can cause (does cause) weak ligaments and tendons.

My boy is declawed. Your post has me a bit worried. Sigh.

If your Vet isn't worried, and it doesn't seem to bother your furbaby, then I guess there is nothing to worry about. 

Walking on their "hocks" on their back legs is definitely an issue, but I've never heard of it on their front legs before   BTW, it does NOT sound like arthritid, however, I've not heard of arthritis in the front "wrist" before either.  Usually it's in the hips and back.