Hurt Leg(s)

[segatacolink]

My oldest and biggest kitty Taco, walked up to the front porch yesterday afternoon limping. He went straight for the "cat room" where their food and litter box is. He seemed to be putting all the weight on one of his hind legs while trying to use the other sparingly. I went ahead and feed him and he ate fine. If you petted him on his head or body he would pur, but growl if you touched his back legs. I tried to feel around a little to see if I could feel any bone out of place or something that looked or felt weird, but didn't, although the muscle around where his legs bend was a little swollen and tight feeling. I couldn't tell where there is something wrong with both back legs or just one, as they felt about the same and he growled and hissed when I touched either. I kept him in the cat room after he came in, and when I checked on him after an hour he had gotten up on the bed thats in the room and layed down. I was gone for a couple of hours with family but made sure he could get to the water. When I came back I checked on him he seemed to be the same untill I started to feed the other cats, and he wanted to get some, I put him on the floor and his limping was worse, he didn't want to seem to use other back leg, and looked like he was using both akwardly. He seemed except for that, and was resting, all night I worried about him and when I got up this morning, I let one of the other cats in with him and he seemed more aggrivated with that, he was laying in the floor up against the bed this morning so I dont know if he fell or slid down the comforter or jumped some how. He ate some dry food, and walked very akwardly again. It seems by watching him for a little bit that his left leg he can stretch fully, and seems to put the most pressure on it when walking, and the right when he sits he tucks in under him, its hard to tell though. He has had sprangs before on his back legs where he would come in limping, but rest for a day or so, and then be better. I will take him in tomorrow if they have gotten worse, or not better from today, but is there anything I can do to help today. Last time I put an ice pack on it for as long as he could stand, but this time he was fusing when I just layed a dish towel on him. I don't think he was hit by a car, and there are no open wounds so I dont think it was a dog, he does tend to be clumsy, and could of result from him trying to climb the fence, or tree or something. Could I give him apirin for the pain? or something? any suggestions as to what the injury is? or anything I can do to help the healing?

[tiffers]

Don't give him Aspirin, it's almost always fatal in cats. I think I'm a bit confused...both legs are swollen? He may been bitten by a snake. But, either way...you may want to call your vet and get some pain killer advice from them. Cats are very different from dogs. You may want to try warm compresses instead of cold, too. The cold will no longer help the swelling at this point. But, if it is an abscess from an old wound or bite, the warm compress will better help him. However, if you're not convinced it's one of those, I'd take him in to have his ACL checked or even a quick x-ray of his legs and hips. He may have been hit by a car, not all HBC (hit by car) patients have open wounds.

[segatacolink]

They aren't really swollen looking but the muscle in his legs feels a little swollen and tight. Nothing seems to be broken either, he will move both legs freely just not walk on them much. I do not see any bite marks from a snake. What are some signs I can look for if it is a car injury...wouldn't that break bones if it affected both legs? I will keep him in today, and try the warm compress. I will call the vet first thing in the morning, and I may go to petsmart, I remember seeing a kitty pain killer there.

[tiffers]

...you won't see the snake bite either because they're teeth are so small. It may also be something as simple as a pulled muscle which the warm compresses would help and make him feel a little better. If you want to get an OTC pain-killer, make really sure there's no Asprin, Tylenol, or anything like that in it. Ask your vet what they advise you use, it'd be your safest bet.

[segatacolink]

I kept Taco inside today, he wanted to go out, but rested all day inside. Earlier since he hadn't gone potty I thought I would take him out since he prefers to go out there, but he seemed to act like he just wanted to run off so I brought him back in. Then he managed to get the doggie door open and went out back, at first he layed down, then I turned around and he took off running towards the fence in the back, I pulled him out of the bushes and brought him in. I put him in the cat room, I just went to check on him and he is hiding, under the bed, and that is not like him. I am getting really worried now...he walked around today and the limp doesn't seem so bad, but I noticed he arches his back when takes steps.

[tiffers]

I would definitely take him to the vet. For one thing, cats don't show pain often. It's sure death in the wild. It takes a lot for cats to show weakness. See if you can take him in tomorrow or something. Keep my up to date, and you two are definitely in my thoughts.

[special]

I would definitely take him to the vet. For one thing, cats don't show pain often. It's sure death in the wild. It takes a lot for cats to show weakness. See if you can take him in tomorrow or something. Keep my up to date, and you two are definitely in my thoughts.

I agree that calling the vet first thing tomorrow morning and getting him in to be seen is best. DON'T let some self important receptionist put you off until the next day. Vets start their day wth open appointments for emergencies.

I also agree wiht Tiffers's earlier advice about not giving him any pain killers until talking to the vet. I wouldn never give any cat ANY OTC medicine.

You and Taco are in my thoughts and I'll be watching for updates/

[tiffers]

DON'T let some self important receptionist put you off until the next day.
Good point, Special.

[segatacolink]

Yeah I definitley will. He has hurt his leg before, but this time seems worse. I got him to come out from under the bed to eat, he ate, then went to go back under the bed but I stopped him and layed him down in his cat bed, and he stayed. He goes between purring and growling when he is petted. Right now all he will do is hiss and growl. I just hope its not something too serious.

[tiffers]

...let us know how it goes. Best wishes!

[krazy4birds]

I am curious also and will look for a post tomorrow to see what the vet said. Good Luck!

[segatacolink]

I am not able to take him in today because of class and work conflicts. He was doing better this morning, he wanted to get out of the room and run around. He is still limping, and it is definitely his right rear leg. He let me feel it this morning, and the muslce feels tight so I think its a pulled muscle. He is also walking on it akwardly so I dont know if its out of the joint too. I am more worried now that he hasn't gone potty cause he prefers going outside, so he is being stubborn and not using the litter box. I may try to let him out on the leash today if he still has not gone. It is not swelling at all, I think its just the muscle, which this has happened to him before. I keep trying to put a warm compress on but he will not let me keep it on long, since he doesn't like it laying on him. I am taking him in tomorrow morning, I was going to this morning but I have a really mean prof. and there was only an opening this morning at the vet. I have keep an eye on him and he is not getting worse.

[special]

Thanks for the update, glad to hear Taco is doing a little better.

I'll be watching to hear what the vet says tomrrow morning.

[special]

PS could you sprinkle a little clean potting soil over the litter in the box to help encourage him to use it? Or bring in some dirt from where he usually goes and put it in a temporary box for him?

[dlaura]

Sorry I am just catching up with this thread today. Glad to hear Paco is doing a bit better, but am very happy to hear he will be seen by a vet tomorrow morning. If your mean professor tries to prevent this needed trip again - I think I would take the bad mark and make Taco a priority tomorrow. No matter what! I will also be watching for the outcome.

[segatacolink]

Oh thanks, thats a great idea to put a little soil it in for him. I think he went potty while I gone, someone had dug in the litter. He was under the bed when I checked on him, but he came right out when I called his name, and he is growling alot less. He ate agian, and seemed to be fine expect for his leg being sore.

[tiffers]

I'm glad to hear about the improvements...and I hope you've not changed your mind about the vet because he's improving. I do like the soil idea, too, Special. :) We might have to try that at work sometimes with boarding cats who won't potty in the litter...but will potty Lord knows everywhere else in their cages. :)

[segatacolink]

Well I took Taco to the vet earlier, even though his limp has been getting better. This morning I noticed he had started favoring his left leg...anyway the vet said it felt like he tore his ligament in his knee, which is really unusual for cats usually only large dogs and humans(football players)get it from strenous activity. Anyway he said it didn't feel like there was any other damage but said I could get some x-rays to see if there was any hip joint damage. Really the only thing he can do is orthopedic surgery which could cost anywhere from $800-$1500, but he said there are many cases where cats have just let it heal and it was fine. He said I could wait it out, since cats are so resilient, and bring him back if I decide to do the surgery, or he gets worse. There is no way for him to tell if it actually is torn, only by popping the knee and the joint pops out more than normal. He seemed to think since cats are so small and light on their feet that he could recover from it with just some rest. He even read me a study in one of his surgical book saying that over 83% fully recovered without any surgery. I think I will take him back for x-rays later this week, just to be sure there is not any other problems, and keep an eye on him. I sure wasn't expecting what he told me, and when he said how much surgery costs my eyes must have popped out of my eyes, but I felt better when he said cats are so different because of their amazing ability to heal, and feel better knowing what the problem is. I dont know if I want have the surgery done, it scares me that they have no way of knowing if its actually torn before they start, I guess I will see how he is doing next week.

[special]

Oh, thanks for the update. Like you I would probably have the x rays done. Did the vet tell you to keep Taco inside until he seems better? Even if the vet did not, I would recommend it.

YOu don't know what he's up do out there, and he's not going to be resting that leg if he's out jumping and running, or running AWAY from something. He may have misjudged a jump and landed wrong, or maybe he was being chased.

Pleas let us know how he gets on.

[tiffers]

We've had a few cats tear their ACL...I think it was their ACL, and the owners didn't do surgery...but, some healed up on their own with minimal excerise, and others still have a funky leg. Please keep us updated.

[segatacolink]

I am going to keep him in. I let him out just for a few minutes watching him, and he tried to jump the fence, thats probably how he hurt the leg in the first place...I don't think I will do the surgery, just keep him in, and rested, and see how well that goes. My vet said at least 6 weeks for the healing process minimum, to keep his exercise to a minimum. I do think I will have the x-ray done later this week, just to be sure. He seems fine though, except for the limp, and doesn't seem like there is much pain even when he is walking. I hope it heals well. He is still upset though that he cannot go out much.

[tiffers]

Did they give you any pain medication?

[segatacolink]

Oh I meant to ask, is there anything that is good for the healing process, like wrapping it, or a compress, or something...

[tiffers]

...not really. It's a torn ligament. Letting it heal on it's own is a long process, and the kitty can't run around or jump or anything, which will be hard to do. You don't want to wrap it, because then the muscle tone will go to squat, and you don't want that either.

[segatacolink]

No, he didnt give any pain meds, he said there shouldnt be too much pain, just slight discomfort when walking, thats why he limps.

[tiffers]

Oh...I would advise swimming, we sometimes do that for big dogs with torn ACL's...but, you've a cat. I don't think that'd work out well. :)

[segatacolink]

Well I use to bathe him quite often, and he didn't mind. He doesnt freak out over water, it may be something I could try. Could I just do it in my bathtub?

[tiffers]

...I don't know how well it'd work with a cat. He'd have to swim...to exercise the leg, to strengthen the ligament. I don't think I'd recommend it for a cat.

[segatacolink]

I think he may be constipated, I know he has peed at least three times in the litter box, but I don't think he has pooped, at least not in the litter box. I thought at first he was just being stubborn b/c he would rather go outside, but today I watched him and he would dig and turn around several times, and squat several times like he was trying to go, and move agian, to no avail. Should I let the vet know about this, I told him yesterday that he hadn't gone but he didnt seem worried about it. Also I think I may ask for some pain meds for him so it will help him rest, I think he is anxious since he is confined to one room, and use to being able to in and out as he pleases. What type of things should I do instead of the swimming to exercise the joint and help in the healing process?

[segatacolink]

I was just at Wal-mart and noticed a supplement for cats made by hartz called Joint care, I went ahead and bought it, do you think this would be good to give Taco, I mean I know it won't fix anything, but it seems maybe its better than nothing...?

[tiffers]

I don't recommend anything Hartz for anyone, especially cats. He really just needs rest, and his walking around the room should exercise his ligament. Also, definitely let your vet know that you think he may be constipated, they can get you some Laxatone/Nutrical or another OTC source to help with his constipation. You may even want to give him more than one litter box. He might not like to pee and poop in the same place. Also, if he's confined to the room...make sure his food and water aren't right next to his litter box. Some cats are also picky about that. You may want to ask your vet about exercises, though I'm sure they'll just tell you to let him rest.

[special]

I think he may be constipated, I know he has peed at least three times in the litter box, but I don't think he has pooped, at least not in the litter box. I thought at first he was just being stubborn b/c he would rather go outside, but today I watched him and he would dig and turn around several times, and squat several times like he was trying to go, and move agian, to no avail. Should I let the vet know about this, I told him yesterday that he hadn't gone but he didnt seem worried about it. Also I think I may ask for some pain meds for him so it will help him rest, I think he is anxious since he is confined to one room, and use to being able to in and out as he pleases. What type of things should I do instead of the swimming to exercise the joint and help in the healing process?

Number one I agree with Tiffers, NEVER use any OTC Hartz products on or in your cat.

He may be constipated because it hurts to squat and push. That's what happens with arthritic cats, too. So, a little something, like some mineral oil in his food for a few days to help things come out soft and smooth may help him.

Ask your vet of course before using the mineral oil, but it's an easy laxative to give because cats almost always love it. It's tasteless and colorless, (and cheap) but it's pure fat and that's what cats love.

Give it to him in a small amount of canned food, then don't feed again (or before) for at least an hour, to prevent any possible interference with nutrient absorption. I would say start with
1 1/2 ml 2 x a day. If he gets very loose stools from it, cut it back to 1 ml twice a day, or eve a little less. My tiny 5.5 pound cat takes 2 ml twice a day.

If you use the mineral oil you may notice a slight oily look to the underside of his fur while he's on it, but that's nothing to worry about and will go away when he no longer needs the laxative.

If it's now been four days since he pooped though he may need an enema to get him going again.

If you bring him in for an enema, bring a small "portapotty" with you. I use one of those "disposable" Rubbermaid containers, it's flat about 12 x 8 with a lid. I always carry it with me when my senior lady has a vet appointment.

After the enema, if they'll let you stay in the room with him and the portapotty until he goes (it's usually pretty quick) or if you want to bring him home, just make sure, before hand, that the portapotty fits in his carrier, and put it in there with him on top of it because in my experience they don't make it home to the litter box after an enema.

You are right to be concerned, because constipation can only make him feel worse.

[segatacolink]

I will get him some mineral oil tonight. I think he has gone once, it was small and dry. He seems in pretty good spirits though, he is eating normal and resting alot. If I am unable to get the mineral oil, could I give him a bit of Olive Oil?

[special]

I don't suppose the olive oil would hurt him, but I don't know how effective it would be. mineral oil is a natural laxative.

You will find the mineral oil in the "laxative" or "antacids" aisle in the supermarket or drug store. A pint of it is usually $2 or $3 and get an eye dropper too, with the mls marked on the side so you know how much you are giving him.

Rinse the eye dropper (take it apart) every time you use it as the mineral oil will make the rubber stiffen up pretty quickly. If that happens (if the dropper bulb gets stiff) letting the bulb sit in some hot water for a minute will make it more pliable

Sorry I didn't give you more detailed information before.

[segatacolink]

I just gave him 1.5 ml of mineral oil in his food, I give agian in the morning with his next meal. He doesn't seem bothered by the constipation, the only thing he is pissed off about is not being able to go out, he seems in much better spirits now, he will even allow me to massage his back legs, without growling, I know the healing process ahead of us is long, but I'm glad he is at least not feeling too moppey. Thanks so much for all the advice. I will continue to research some natural things I can do to help, please let me know if anyone comes across anything.

[special]

Just a reminder to give the mineral oil with only a small amount of his daily food, and feed him more at least an hour later, because the mineral oil can interfere with nutrient absorption, and he needs all his nutrients for healing!

Watch for diarrhea or excessive gas. If he gets diarrhea stop the mineral oil. If he has a lot of gas, cut back to once a day. Since he's letting you massage his leg, see if he will let you massage his tummy and abdomen, too. This will help with any gas troubles for one thing, and it will feel good for him. Start gently. You may feel gas bubbles, and he may pass some gas.

Once he has a good BM, cut back on the mineral oil to once a day, and see how he does on that. Once he's all better stop the mineral oil unless he has further constipation problems.

Disclosure:

I am not a vet, this advice is based on personal experience with my senior lady who has arthritis, which led to chronic constipation (because it hurt her to squat) which resulted in a megacolon.

I recommend always checking with the vet before starting your pet on any new medication. However mineral oil is not an uncommon antidote for feline constipation.

I'll be watching to hear how he does.

[special]

How's is Taco doing, now?

[segatacolink]

He is doing okay, I think he finally went potty last night. I am pretty sure it was him, b/c of the size of it, and the other cats usually don't sure the litter box. He seems like he has plenty of energy, he really wants outside and keeps meowing at the door. He is still limping of course, but its not too bad, he is getting around okay.

[segatacolink]

Saturday marked the 3rd week since Taco's injury, and he has been comfined to our spare bedroom since then. I am glad to report though his limping is almost completely gone, and he is playful with my other cats once agian. He is happy except when he wants out of the room, and takes to attacking the carpet trying to get out. I plan to keep him comfined for at least 3 more weeks, to help with the healing.

[special]

How wonderful! Thanks for the update, I'm so happy he's getting better.

So do you let the other cats in his room, or do you let him come out when you are home?

You could get an inexpensive wooden screen door and install it in the doorway so he can still see and hear everyone..... (I have one in my bedroom door way for such times when cats have to be isolated.)

[segatacolink]

Oh the screen door is a great idea. I let the cats in there in the morning with him so they can eat, and if they want in there to play with him I let them in. I allow him out of the room sometimes not every night but almost when I have the dog door closed. Also this weekend I allowed him outside for a few minutes on a short leash.

[uwllv88]

Maybe you could at least call the vet and go pick up some pain killer for him to at least relieve some of his pain before tomorrow.

[uwllv88]

Oops, I'm sorry I didn't completely read this thread or check the dates before I replied. I see Taco is better and doesn't need pain medication anymore. :confused: I'm so glad he's doing so much better - he had me worried.