Hiding Cat

I am new here and looking for some reassurance.   

My rescue cat is approximately 6 years old.   A couple days ago she suddenly started hiding away.   I first noticed it was odd that she didn't come to eat because she is usually waiting for me when I give her soft food twice a day.   I went looking for her and found her in a closet and she hissed and scratched when I got her out.   She's never liked to be picked up, but this was different.  

I watched her for one day and then took her to the vet.   They did bloodwork and a urinalysis and all was normal.   They said her teeth and gums looked bad and possibly infected so they gave her a shot of antibiotics and said she would be feeling better in 24 hours.  

But she isn't.  In fact, following her trip to the vet, I noticed her limping in her back legs.   She isn't wanting to walk.  She just lays in the corner of the closet or under my bed.   

I called the vet back and they said to bring her back in and they will sedate her and palpate her abdomen better and possibly take some x-rays.   

I'm really worried about her and thinking she has cancer.   Do cats ever get better after doing the hiding behavior?   Could she still improve from the antibiotic over the course of the next 24 hours?   

I appreciate you reading about my Mathilda and I'd love to hear of any similar experiences.  

Yes cats do get better.  it really could be any number of things besides cancer.  If kitties are feeling the least bit bad or just not up to par they will hide.  It's a survival instinct from the wild.  A kitty that is unwell or injured is picked out and preyed on by other predators so they stay hidden.

I hope your kitty is feeling better soon.

Thank you so much.  I'm relieved to know there is a possibility my cat will come out of hiding.   

Just an update.  After I phoned the vet yesterday to tell her my kitty was not doing well at all, she then seemed to perk up.   She was more social and she ate.   This morning she met me in the kitchen for her breakfast rather than hiding away.   So I'm not going to return to the vet at this time.   I think she has turned the corner.   The vet visit was a trauma for her in itself.   Thanks for your support here yesterday.  I'm so happy I found this group.