This clot blocks blood flow to the affected limb (s). Weakness, the cat may have difficulty standing, walking, accessing the litter tray or climbing stairs. The most common causes of ataxia in cats include: A lesion in one of the three aforementioned systems (vestibular, sensory and cerebellum), such as cerebellar hypoplasia cat. Affected dogs with advanced hip or knee arthritis are likely to have weak hind legs, trouble walking and sometimes can't get up on their back legs without help. A variety of infections -- viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic -- can affect the spinal cord, leading to rear leg weakness in cats. The ideal weight can be observed on a cat whose, "ribs are palpable, but with minimal fat covering. The leg(s) may appear cool to the touch. You can read more about the scoring system here but the basic description of a cat at an ideal body weight includes "visible ribs, no palpable fat, severe abdominal tuck, easily palpated lumbar vertebrae, obvious waist behind ribs.". Symptoms of feline diabetes include excessive urination, excessive thirst, weight loss, and increased appetite. I'm going to take her to the vet tomorrow but I just wondered if anyone had experienced anything . He may temporarily lose control of bowel or bladder depending on the severity of the damage. Weakness and shaking in the back legs. Other Causes of Cat Back Leg Weakness. There is only about a 50 percent chance for your cat to regain control of her hind legs. Feline infectious peritonitis, or FIP, inflames the spinal cord due to an abnormal response to a coronavirus. There are three clinical types of ataxia in cats, cerebellar, vestibular and sensory. Rather, the owner notices that the hind legs are weak and the cat has decreased mobility, or the cat may be walking on its hocks. Another sign of diabetes that the back legs are weakened, causing the cat to become very wobbly when walking. Legs slipping out. In cases of feline diabetic neuropathy, weakness occurs in the hindquarters as a result of chronic nerve degeneration. It is caused by trauma, infection, or disease like cancer. Senior cats tend to lose the ability to digest and absorb their food well resulting in weight loss. Leg paralysis can be the result of several things that are not common in cats including trauma from a fall, accident or abuse, viruses, or tick bites. Collapsing especially in the hind legs. A cat may be skinny and boney because she's getting old. Siouxsie: Although vets don't know why blood clots form, they are much more common in cats that have a heart disease called cardiomyopathy.There are three types of cardiomyopathy: dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and restrictive cardiomyopathy. Ataxia is the word used to describe a loss of coordination and balance that affects your cat's head, limbs, and/or torso. Cancer Can Cause Progressive Rear Leg Weakness in the Senior Cat Dr. Benson notes that two forms of cancer can be responsible. • Refusing to place any weight on leg or limping. Unusual lumps or swellings anywhere on your cat's body, especially if they're getting larger or changing shape. Extreme weakness caused by other problems such as starvation, anemia, etc. The haunches and back legs are sturdy, poised for running or jumping. Dec 28, 2009. rubyfruit said: We have a cat that was diagnosed with diabetes about 6 months ago. There are several reasons that may cause your cat to suffer from hair loss on its back legs. Some also tend to eat smaller meals which can be attributed to a decreased sense of smell and loss of teeth. Kidney failure itself can also cause weakness. Symptoms of lameness & Common causes of lameness. Some cats will drink less if they eat canned food which has more water content than dry food. Trauma As a Cause of Sudden Rear Limb Weakness in an Old Cat Being hit by a car, falling from a height, or being accidentally struck or stepped upon can cause a senior cat's back legs to suddenly become weak, says Dr. Jules Benson, BVSc, chief veterinary officer with NationwideDVM, a pet insurer company. Sometimes a cat won't eat due to a slight stomach upset but this should not last for more than a day. Our 19 year old cat has suddenly developed wobbly back legs and twice in the last couple of days has slightly staggered to the side when walking. Linda and Bear Man, Sep 12, 2010. Next, lab tests and/or x-rays may be needed to determine the problem. The most common symptoms of feline diabetes include increased appetite, thirst, urination and weight. Inability to support the weight. Cats have a weak sense of dehydration. Aside from the causes of mobility loss in cats that we have mentioned above, ataxia is also one possible cause of back leg weakness or loss of balance in cats. A cat wheelchair will help a disabled cat to stand and walk during rehabilitation. Cats normally take in about 20 to 40 milliliters per pound of body weight per day, or one cup for a normal sized cat. Thomas: Dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart muscle gets weak and swells (dilates), isn't seen much these days . A problem that many cat owners don't always consider . The lymph nodes behind the knees and under the jaws are easiest to find. My cat was 17 (unfortunately she passed away a month and two weeks ago ) I just always wondered if the muscle loss was due to aging or if there was a more serious cause for it. 7 Causes of Back Leg Weakness in Dogs. Diabetes Diabetes is no fun to deal with, whether you're a human or a cat. I have a 7 year old female cat. The causes of unintentional weight loss in cats range from simple lifestyle changes to serious illness. Eighty to ninety-five percent of diabetic cats experience something similar to type 2 . The links below will provide you with more detailed information on these medical conditions from the WebMD Symptom Checker and help provide a better understanding of causes and treatment of these related conditions. Dec 28, 2009. Why lu hao weight loss should he be lu hao weight loss lu hao weight loss bullied by her Even his mother was careful with her for fear of offending her. Continued. Between impaired kidney function and the big D dumping food out hastily, his body likely isn't getting enough usable protein to hold muscle. An obese or overweight body condition with muscle wasting (especially over the spine or back) or weight loss; Excessive urination and thirst; Larger clumps in the litter box; Lethargy or weakness; Vomiting; Walking abnormally (e.g., lower to the ground) Causes of diabetes in cats: Weak pancreas • Difficulty walking up or down the stairs, or jumping up onto heights. The following health conditions are not implicated per se for cases of cat dragging back legs, but they are known to cause cats to lose control of their hind legs, albeit temporarily: Epilepsy • Unable to walk or run normally. Ataxia in Cats (Loss of Balance in Cats) What Is Ataxia in Cats? These are the signs of a problem with the nerve supply to the hind . Visible Symptoms of the Neuropathy. There are a variety of different conditions in the gastrointestinal tract that may cause cat weight loss. (she was not hyperthyroid though) I had noticed it mainly the last 2 years of . The weakness may also be due to a loss of muscle mass that results from uncontrolled diabetes. The cat may be having a hard time jumping on furniture and . For example, your cat may have weak back legs but you do not know the cause. Nervous system conditions. Symptoms of lameness & Common causes of lameness. • Loss of muscle mass around affected leg. Not only does a wheelchair make it easier for a cat to move, it can also encourage feline mobility. Some cats become almost obsessive about water, lurking around taps, hosepipes and garden fountains. The treatment for weight loss in cats depends on the cause. This is perhaps why most people worry about their cats getting fat. However, you also know that your cat is constipated and is having trouble holding his head up. Your cat will experience muscular weakness and deterioration of muscle tissue. Once affected, your kitty's potassium levels often drop, which cause her back leg weakness. My female cat of approx 9 yrs has gone of the back legs, . the hips and back area, shoulders, a little on the head too but mostly in the hindquarters. he was diagnosed with hyper thyroid. They take long naps, lay out in sunny areas and curl up in blankets for large portions of the day. In fact, just today I finally took him to a neurologist. Saddle Thrombus (described in more detail later) is sometimes called the feline equivalent of a stroke and can cause permanent weakness of the hind legs. Unintentional weight loss in cats can be a cause for concern. Ataxia is caused by decreased sensory function of the nervous system, which in turn can be caused by a wide range of diseases. 2. • Pain and general signs of discomfort. cat has yellowing of gums and yellow skin in facial areas somewhat dehydrated rapid weight loss sharp breath odor complete loss of appetite but continues drinking water and . Symptoms and presenting signs. Gently massage the upper thighs of the rear legs. Quote. ; Swollen lymph nodes are a symptom of lymphoma. hu … Other symptoms include increased drinking and urination, increased activity, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle wasting. He's unable to gain any weight and he eats ALL the time. Cat has lost weight and losing balance. Taken together, you would probably want to ask your vet to investigate the possibility of low potassium levels first. Loss of appetite is one of the earliest signs that something is not right with your cat. Hyperthyroidism can also affect a cat's heart, which may in turn lead to other conditions that cause rear limb weakness. Feline leukemia is another illness that may cause nerve damage which can lead to loss of motor control and hind leg weakness, ultimately leading to paraplegic paralysis. My cat is sick: Weakness in hind legs, lack of coordination Weight loss lethargy poor coat vomited foam a few times poor - Answered by a verified Cat Vet We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. These symptoms include: thirst, increased urination, pain, increased appetite and desire to eat, and significant loss of weight. Sudden paralysis in dogs can often be attributed to IVDD. If you weren't trying to help your cat lose weight, and especially if your cat is a senior, there might be a health issue to blame. Because the cat suddenly started having difficulty walking three days ago, I would suggest that you consult a vet for physical examination and bloodwork. You can also help by massaging your cat's affected hind leg by following these simple steps: In a quiet room, pet your cat until she is relaxed. The wheelchair supports their hind end allowing your cat to continue to get around with ease. Other Causes of Cat Back Leg Weakness. Usually the tail and ability to urinate are normal. A slight belly pouch is normal, although it is more prominent in heavier cats, or in obese cats who have lost weight. Behavioral Problems. Spinal pain and partial paralysis in two or four legs are common symptoms for this illness. Weight loss can be caused by many different problems, ranging from minor to serious. 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