Cat's limping????

Question

My cat wont let me touch his right front leg, he is in pain but there are no visible wounds. He is eating and drinking not as much as before the injury but he still eats and drinks. I am unable to pay for emergency care at this moment and have no idea what to do I just want to make him a litlle more conffy .....please help me with any tips or links to websites that have info. Thank you. He is two years old indoor outdoor neutered cat.

To Punk and others like her, this is a site to offer advise, support and knowledge not a place to judge people that you don't even know. You have no idea how much I love my pet, and how much I am suffering seeing him hurting. I am dissabled and don't have lots of money but I do care for my cat and will do whatever it takes to make him feel better but giving him up..he is part of my family and if one of your family members is hurting you don't go to the hospital and give him up do you?

Answer 1

I have several indoor/outdoor cats and injuries are common. What has happened is that you cat got a puncture injury infected and is starting to abscess. Puncture injuries are almost impossible to find until the abscess swells to where you can start to feel it.

The abscess needs to be opened and drained. If the area affected is small (pea size) then you can remove the scab, squeeze out the pus, clean the "hole" with a disinfectant and apply Neosporen to the area. If the infection is larger than a pea, you HAVE to take your kitty to the vet because the infection is too large for you to treat by yourself and the cat will need to take oral antibiotics. Most vets are willing to work out a payment plan. Don't delay!

Answer 2

My cat was limping as well, and he was not walking on his toes ( as it should be ) but he was walking on his metatarsal in that front paw ( which is his ankle) which is a bad sign ( cats should walk on their toes), and he was also lifting his paw when he was standing so as not to put weight on that paw. He has severe arthritis, so I thought it was a bout of inflammation and it would pass soon. I always give him regularly a compound that has Glucosamine Sulfate+Chondroitin+MSM +Turmeric + Devil's Claw for the arthritis-- in addition I gave him Traumeel for the pain since he was limping, all from the healthfood store and which are ok for Cats ( I did my research to ensure it was not toxic for cats). But he was not getting better after 2 days, in fact he was the same. So I took him to the vet - and what he had was a nail overgrown that was puncturing his paw and had pierced his skin ( poor thing). The doctor cut his nail short and washed it with disinfecting soapy water. We are back from the vet and he should be fine now. The doctor checked if he had any broken bones and he said no he does not have any broken bones or ligaments , his tendon is fine, because my cat let him do so with no reaction. then he checked his paw and his skin was fine, but he found the overgrown nail inside his skin. He cut the nail immediately and trimmed all his nails. He should be well soon and now is on the mend. Thank God. Also my cat did not have any temperature, if a cat has high temperature or abnormal temperature, then immediately should be seen by a doctor because that is much more serious by then. Hope this helps anyone.

Answer 3

Sounds like your cat needs the attention of a vet. Can you call around and see if you can get a payment plan? Or defer payment? Some vets will work with you if you explain your financial situation and describe the condition of the cat.

Answer 4

short hair is good for several people, others, not. it depends just what u look like

Answer 5

There's no alternative to vet care - we can't tell you what's wrong with the cat nor can any website. Since you let him run around outside any number of things could be wrong with him.

If you can't afford to care for your pet - especially when it's been injured and obviously is in pain - then please surrender it to a shelter so that someone more responsible can adopt it.

Answer 6

I prefer hair that is shoulder length or longer, As well as since that men who like women are more often then not right, they like long hair because this looks more feminine, as most guys have short hair.

Answer 7

Keep him in and let him rest until Monday. If there is no improvement....see a vet.

Answer 8

Limping or lameness is one of the most common reason pets are brought to my veterinary hospital. Sometimes the cause is very simple to diagnose and treat and sometimes it is very difficult. The majority of lamenesses resolve with a week or two of exercise restriction without my determining the exact cause of the pain. I perform the same examination on all cases that are brought to me. This article discusses some of the more common causes of lameness that I see.

Determining which joint is affected:
Determining which joint is causing the lameness can be quite challenging. Usually I can locate the affected joint by noting swelling, heat or pain over the joint. Sometimes, over-flexing the affected joint will temporarily increase the limp. When this is not possible or just to gain more information, I take an x-ray of the suspected joint as well as the corresponding joint on the opposite leg. Some painful joints appear normal on x-rays. In those cases, the bone is not affected or the injury is too recent to have produced changes in the bone.

Paws:
The first thing I do is examine the pet’s paw for thorns and stickers. Grass sand spurs caught between the pads of the foot are a very common cause of limping. Once the thorn is removed the wound rarely becomes infected. Thorns are more of a problem in dogs whose toe pads are heavily furred.

Paw Lacerations are also quite common. These are often due to treading on sharp glass fragments. Even large lacerations heal quite well without suturing. I usually recommend that cut footpads be soaked four times a day in warm hydrogen peroxide solution or tame iodine solution (Betadine, Wescodine, Povidine). Bandages tend to trap unwanted moisture and debris in the wound.

Overgrown or overly short toenails can cause limping. This is particularly a problem in older, less active pets. These nails often break off exposing the quick of the nail. These nails quickly become infected. In other cases, overgrown toenails twist the joints of the toes causing toe arthritis. And painful toe joints. These nails need to be clipped off short under a mild anesthetic. Antibiotics are rarely required. Very active dogs and dogs housed on concrete often wear their toenails down to the quick. With time, the quick on these nails recede and pain subsides.

Elbows:
Unstable elbow joints of dogs and cats are subject to arthritis. The most common causes are elbow dysplasia where fragments of bone (medial coronoid process) are present in the elbow joint and ununited anconeal process where a portion of one of the bones that forms the elbow fails to fuse. These conditions tend to affect large breeds of dogs such as Labrador and Golden retrievers and Rottweilers. Signs often first appear at 5-7 months of age with a limp that worsens after exercise. These dogs are stiff in the morning or after rest. Both elbows can be affected. The elbow may be puffy. These conditions can be treated medically with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines for a number of years or immediate attempts can be made to repair the joints surgically. Neither problem corrects itself and some degree of arthritis of these joints usually develops regardless of the treatment used. Dogs with this problem should be kept lean and given joint-enhancing glucosamine and chondrotin supplements.

Another common problem that can occur in the elbow of dogs is osteochonritis dissecans (osteochonrosis) in which a flap of cartilage breaks loose within the joint causing pain when it is trapped between the cartilaginous elements of the joint. Too rapid a growth rate, genetic factors and trauma to the joint can all play a part in causing this disease. These flaps or joint mice need to be removed surgically. Because genetics plays a part in this disease, these dogs should not be bred.

Shoulders:
The shoulder joint of dogs is also subject to osteochonritis dissecans. These joints are rarely swollen or inflamed. However, rapidly extending and contracting the shoulder often causes discomfort. Not all cases are evident in x-rays and it is sometimes necessary to examine these joints with fiber-optical apparatus under general anesthesia through small incisions. A few cases will heal without surgery when the dogs are given pain-control (analgesic) medications. But since we do not know which cases these are and because arthritis of the shoulder often develops when surgery is withheld, it is best to surgically remove these detached fragment(s) of cartilage from the joint.

Occasionally inflammation of the tendon of major muscles of the shoulder, the biceps, occurs after a shoulder injury. This condition usually improves when a corticosteroid is injected in the affected area and the dog is given a six-week rest.

Panosteitis:
This is an inflammatory disease of young dogs, which causes lameness that shifts from one leg to another. It is also called enostosis, eosinophilic Panosteitis, juvenile osteomyelitis or osteomyelitis. Panosteitis is particularly common in German Shepherd dogs. Eighty percent are male less than two years of age. Firmly grasping the bones of the legs causes these dogs to yelp. The cause is unknown. Early in the lameness phase of the disease x-rays are normal. This is a transient disease that cures itself with time. We treat these dogs with medications to control pain such as buffered aspirin or Rimadyl. With time, this condition corrects itself without additional treatment.

The Stifle or Knee Joint

Luxating Patella or Knee Cap:
In over ninety percent of these cases the kneecap pops out of its track toward the inside (medial side) of the knee. This is an inherited problem that causes intermittent lameness locking the knee when the kneecap or patella jumps out of its tract (the trochlear groove). This occurs when the tract in which the kneecap glides is too shallow and when the femur, the largest bone of the rear leg, is abnormally bowed. In this condition the ligaments on the lateral side of the knee, which stabilize the kneecap, are also abnormally stretched. Pain associated with this problem is minimal. It is primarily a disease of toy breeds and Persian cats. We treat this condition by surgically deepening the tract (patellar groove) in which the patella glides and reinforcing the lateral ligaments that keep the patella in tract. Sometimes it is necessary to move the attachment of knee ligaments to a more lateral position as well as to remove tension on the medial side of the joint capsule.

Anterior (cranial) cruciate ligament injury:


Tears of this ligament are quite common in dogs and football players. It occurs occasionally in cats. These tears occur suddenly in pets of any age causing the animal to refuse to bear weight on the affected leg. In dogs weighing less that twenty pounds, lameness generally resolves itself without surgical treatment during a period of three to six weeks. These dogs should be given cage rest and analgesic drugs. Under anesthesia, the knee of these animals is abnormally loose and demonstrates an abnormal motion called anterior drawer syndrome. In larger dogs this problem is treated surgically. In one popular technique, a portion of the ligaments that coat the muscles of the knee (fascia lata) and a portion of the ligaments of the kneecap are used to construct a new anterior cruciate ligament. Other techniques rely on stiffening the affected joint with non-absorbable suture to compensate for the torn ligament (extracapsular reconstruction). A third technique relocates other ligaments of the knee to compensate for the torn ligament (fibular head advancement). A significant number of these pets will injure the ligaments of the other knee within a three-year period.

Meniscal Injury:
Trauma to the knee can result in tears of the cartilages that pad the knee joint. These rubbery cartilages are called menisci. These tears often occur in conjunction with torn cruciate ligaments. Dogs of all ages, sex and breed are affected. Sometimes, the knees of dogs with this problem “click” as they walk. These injuries rarely heal on their own. Some peripheral meniscal tears can be carefully sewn together. Free tags of cartilage should be removed surgically at the same time that torn cruciate ligaments are repaired. Left untreated, joint arthritis develops.

Arthritis:
All forms of chronic joint disease eventually result in some degree of arthritis. In older animals I commonly see these degenerative changes affecting the spine, hips and shoulders. The signs of arthritis are lameness involving the affected joint(s). Sometimes these joints are puffy and tender. Arthritic changes appear sooner in large breeds of dogs but are uncommon in cats and smaller dogs until they are quite old. I have never seen arthritis in older ferrets but I have not really looked for it. I diagnose arthritis with x-ray of the affected joint(s).

The problems that lead to arthritis begin quite early in the pet’s life but are not noticeable at that time. Smaller breeds of dogs tend to have fewer arthritic problems than the large breeds. It is important that you keep your pets toenails clipped properly so their normal gait is not restricted. Overgrown toenails could be thought of as wearing shoes with improperly shaped soles and heels – they place strain on the joints that support them. A very important caution in preventing or delaying arthritis in later life is not to overfeed puppies – especially puppies of larger breeds. Puppy chows, feed free choice (all they will eat) is not in the long-term interest of your pet. It has been found that if you feed less than the pet is willing to consume it will mature slower with stronger joints and ligaments and even live a longer life. Puppies that eat too much gain weight faster than their poorly calcified joints can support it. They develop loose overly flexible joints, which are the starting point for arthritis. Later in life, it is important that your pet remains trim and not overweight. Trim dogs develop less arthritis and if the do, it occurs later in life. A moderate amount of daily exercise like taking walks with your pets also will delay arthritis. Hot tubs, whirlpools and swimming are great.

Lets say that your pet is already showing the morning stiffness and intermittent lameness that signals arthritis. What are some of the things you can do? First, if your pet is overweight try feeding less of a low caloric diet. Many are marketed through supermarkets. If you are not strong willed enough to cut the pet’s total food intake, purchase a prescription, weight reduction diet or supplement its diet with low caloric items such as cooked cabbage, green beans and carrots. There are a variety of nutritional supplements on the market today that might improve your pet’s joint function. Some are prepared from extracts of cartilage. Others are formulated from the glycosoamine found in clams. Some have other ingredients added. None have been adequately tested scientifically to prove that they work but none will cause harm to your pet.

You can try daily doses of aspirin. I generally give about 5-10 mg per pound body weight twice a day. Others have used double this dose. Like people, some dogs tolerate aspirin well while others do not. Side effects are lack of appetite, vomission, diarrhea or dark stools. If any of these events occur you must lower the dose or discontinue it altogether. Never give aspirin to cats! Aspirin and all other anti-arthritic drugs are often referred to as NSAIs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). All the older ones, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, phenylbutazone and indomethacin are known for causing stomach problems in people and pets.

Within the last few years, new NSAI medications, Rimadyl (carbprofen, Pfizer) and Etogesic (etodolac,Wyeth), have been approved by the FDA. They have a lower rate of gastrointestinal irritation. The first is a twice a day product, the second, once a day. Most recently, deracoxib (Deramaxx, Novartis) and tepoxalin (Zubrin, Schering) have come onto the market. These products seem to really help old dogs get about again. They cannot be used in cats.

There are many other scientifically unproven treatments for arthritis in people and pets. Everything from magnets to acupuncture have been used. I cannot tell you that they do work, but little is lost in trying them if you wish.

A point eventually comes when the NSAI drugs mentioned are not enough. In these pets the carefully supervised use of cortisone-type drugs will often buy extra mobility time for your pet. Steroids are powerful drugs. The most commonly used ones for arthritic problems are prednisone and prednisolone. They are best given no more frequently than every second or third day. They relieve inflammation throughout the body but also cause increased appetite and thirst, fluid retention, liver enlargement and other changes. Do not fear cortisone drugs too much if they are properly used. These powerful drugs have saved many lives. Any person with an organ transplant remains on one of them the rest of their lives. The secret of success with them is to control weight through diet and to give as little of the medication as infrequently as possible so you can enjoy the company of your pet as long as God allows.

Hip displasia in dogs and cats leads to a form of arthritis that occurs in younger animals. Hip problems seem to run in families of certain large breeds of work dogs (Labradors, golden retrievers German shepherds, Old English sheep dogs, etc). There is definitely a genetic or inherited tendency to this problem. Some years ago, half of a litter from a mother dog showing hip dysphasia was given all the puppy food they would eat; the other half was given limited quantities of adult dog chow. As the pups matured, the ones give the puppy chow developed hip disease but the ones given adult dog chow did not. We now know that one factor causing this disease is too rapid a weight and muscle mass gain for the young animal’s hips and elbows to support. That is why it is usually the largest pups from a litter that have the most problems as they mature.

When dysplastic dogs are already mature you can no longer influence growth rate. But you can, be sure the dog does not become overweight. Then put it on a glycosoamine supplement from Wal-Mart or your veterinarian. Some diets, sold in supermarkets are fortified with glycosoamine, a chemical needed for strong bones and cartilage. Give about 250 to 1000 mg a day depending on the size of your dog. Some dogs tolerate aspirin well, others don't. Tylenol does not help and is hard on a dog’s liver. Some dogs will also tolerate a (100-400 mg) Advil or ibuprofen tablet - others developed diarrhea or poor appetite on this medicine. It is good to have these dogs’ livers check about twice a year to be sure the liver is tolerating the drug well and that they are not producing tarry stools – a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding. I also find that hot and cold packs seem to relive a lot of the pet’s pain. I have also had success rubbing the affected joint with a liniment consisting of three tablespoons-full of DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide), one tablespoon full of ketamine HCL (Ketalar) and one tablespoon of Xylazine (Rompun). This is quite effective when combined with hot whirlpool treatments and swimming. One extra strength (500 mg) Tylenol (acetaminophen) is poisonous to a cat!

Hip displasia can also be treated surgically. In small dogs, an artificial hip can be constructed. In larger dogs, artificial hip replacements are available. Surgery has also been perfected that realigns the socket portion of the hip joint.

Bone Tumors:
Older large breeds of dogs are more susceptible to tumors of the bone called osteosarcomas. These often occur near a joint of the legs. Often the first sign of this problem is limping. These tumors have a characteristic appearance on x-rays. When they have not spread to the lungs, they are usually treated by amputation of the limb.

Abrasions and Contusions sprains and fractures:
The most common cause of trauma to joints and muscle are car-related accidents and accidents occurring during vigorous exercise. Damage ranges from mild stretching of ligaments and tendons to dislocations and fractures. More severe trauma requires immediate x-rays for diagnosis. It is always wise to x-ray dogs that have lameness that persists over 48 hours after accidents. If the joints show no injuries, a week of treatment with one of the newer non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is often all that is required.

Myositis:
Dogs and cats sometimes develop inflammation of muscles of the legs and face for reasons we do not understand. These are probably forms of autoimmune disease where the pet’s immune system begins to attack its own tissues. Diagnosis is made by removing a sample of muscle for microscopic evaluation (biopsy). This disease often goes through waves of activity or flare-ups during which the pet is in pain. The disease can be controlled with corticosteroids such as prednisone or prednisolone.

Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head:
This disease of the hip of young smaller breed dogs and children is also known as legg-perthes disease or osteochondritis dissecans. In this condition of smaller breeds of dogs, the head of the femur within the hip joint begins to dissolve when its blood supply is lost. The cause of this condition is unknown. We treat this problem surgically by excision of the femoral head and neck.

Note: I was under the impression that glucosamine sulphate had no potentially deleterious effects on the body of humans or pets. However, an article published in the Lancet was recently brought to my attention that states that glucosamine sulphate is capable of affecting blood glucose concentration as well as the level of circulating insulin. This same article suggested that the compound be used with caution in humans with diabetes.