Sometimes pet lovers are faced with this situation: the cat's hind legs failed. Paralysis or paresis of the limbs is a neurological symptom of serious pathologies of the body. Their list is very diverse and affects a variety of organs and systems. In the early stages, this condition may be reversible. Therefore, if a cat drags its paw, contacting the veterinarian early will greatly increase the chance of recovery. It is hoped that the animal will eventually feel the joy of movement again. From this article, you will learn what to do if the hind legs are paralyzed at the pet, why this can happen and how to help the cat at home.

If the cat's hind legs have failed, it is quite difficult to find out the reasons for this. There is a belief that almost all diseases can cause complications and forced restriction of movement.

If the cat does not walk, it can be difficult to distinguish between paw paralysis and severe pain that occurs during movement. Perhaps he, experiencing pain when walking, simply refuses to make efforts, as they bring additional discomfort. The causes of severe pain in the back or abdominal cavity can be the following ailments:

• urolithiasis disease;
• tumor diseases;
• inflammation of the organs of the urinary and reproductive systems;
• intestinal obstruction.

A distinctive feature of these diseases is that the cat's paws completely retain sensitivity, and nerve conduction is not impaired.

The main causes of the disease

The main causes of partial or complete paralysis of the hind legs are the following pathologies:

• consequences of spinal injuries and traumatic injuries of the spinal cord;
• prolapse of the intervertebral disc;
• inflammatory diseases of the spinal cord;
• arterial thromboembolism;
• fibrocartilaginous embolism;
• beriberi and violation of potassium metabolism;
• hip dysplasia;
• cardiomyopathy and fibrosis of the heart muscle;
• consequences of a stroke;
• alimentary hyperthyroidism;
• effects of ixodid tick bites.

Consequences of injuries of the spine and spinal cord

In a cat with a fracture, dislocation of the spine, severe bruising of the spinal cord, a post-traumatic reaction often occurs - the hind legs are taken away. Paralysis of the paws can be accompanied by pain shock, loss of consciousness, incontinence of feces and urine. With proper treatment and the absence of complications, the condition of the animal is usually reversible and after the restoration of nerve conduction, the sensitivity gradually returns.

Such serious pathologies are treated in most cases in the clinic by surgery. Additionally, the doctor prescribes anti-inflammatory, healing and painkillers (Traumeel, Milgamma, Baralgin).

Herniated disc

A herniated disc is a protrusion of a disc between the vertebral bodies. It is characterized by pain, muscle tension and limitation of movement. In severe cases, a herniated disc can cause compression of blood vessels, nerve roots and spinal cord, which gradually deteriorates conductivity. Because of this, the innervation of the limbs is disturbed, and they can be taken away.

If a cat's legs are paralyzed due to this disease, then painkillers, muscle relaxants that relieve severe muscle spasms, decongestants, and vitamins that improve the condition of nerve fibers are prescribed as treatment.

Inflammation of the spinal cord

Inflammation of the spinal cord (myelitis) can be caused by injuries, complications of infections, helminthic invasions, poisoning with toxic substances. Such pathologies are usually accompanied by disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, severe fever, feelings of anxiety and fear, nausea and vomiting. In addition, the cat's hind legs gradually fail. With myelitis, the condition is usually reversible and after the inflammation is removed, the limbs of the animal regain sensitivity over time.

Treatment consists in the appointment of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants. Physiotherapeutic procedures give a good effect.

Arterial thromboembolism

The cat does not feel bloodless limbs, gradually they become cold. The animal screams in pain, refuses to eat and drink, prefers to be in dark places. The disease often has an unfavorable prognosis, since the probability of a cure is very low. But in rare cases, with early diagnosis and proper treatment, the disease recedes.

If the sensitivity is at least slightly preserved and there is hope, then the animal is given a paw massage, anticoagulants (reducing blood clotting) agents, and physiotherapy procedures are prescribed.

Fibrocartilaginous embolism

Fibrocartilaginous embolism occurs when a thrombus clogs the vessels of the spinal cord. Exsanguinated tissues gradually necrotic. Severe pain is replaced by a complete lack of sensitivity. In the future, the cat's front and hind legs fail. If the blockage of the vessel is incomplete, then the paralysis of the limbs will be partial and then a cure is possible. The main tactics of treatment is the appointment of anticoagulants and physiotherapy.

Avitaminosis and violation of potassium metabolism

A lack of vitamins and minerals in the body that affect the condition of the limbs and their functions can cause paralysis or paresis of the paws. The probable cause of beriberi is helminthiasis or poor cat diet. Especially dangerous is the lack of vitamins A and B1. Lack of sunlight can lead to vitamin D deficiency and, as a result, to rickets, which is more common in a kitten. With paresis, a lack of potassium in the body is often diagnosed.

Avitaminosis and micronutrient deficiencies can be easily eliminated. After deworming, restoring a full diet and a course of vitamin therapy, the cat will regain the ability to move independently.

hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a congenital pathology of joint development that greatly increases the likelihood of subluxations and dislocations of the femoral head. The disease develops as a result of a genetic predisposition or malformations of intrauterine development. Young animals are more susceptible to it. There is also a breed predisposition (Maine Coon cats are more likely to get sick).

This disease is not associated with loss of sensation and paralysis. The animal cannot walk due to a malformation of the joint. The main symptoms of the disease are:

• limb weakness;
• inability to jump;
• falling to the side of the diseased joint, frequent falls;
• staggering gait.

The therapy consists in the fact that the cat is restricted in movement in order to reduce the load on sore paws and special feeds containing glucosamine and chondroetin are prescribed, as a building material for the cartilaginous tissue of the joints.

Cardiomyopathy and fibrosis of the heart muscle

Cardiomyopathy is a group of myocardial diseases caused by dystrophic and sclerotic changes in heart cells - cardiomyocytes. It often leads to thickening of the walls of the heart and a decrease in the volume of the ventricles, due to which the heart pumps a smaller volume of blood. The animal begins oxygen starvation. Main symptoms:

• dyspnea;
• decreased motor activity;
• cough and vomiting;
• refusal to eat.

Paralysis of the hind legs is not characteristic of cardiomyopathy, but as a secondary disease, thromboembolism can develop, which is the direct cause of paralysis. In addition, the cat is often unable to move due to severe weakness.

Cardiomyopathy can be a form of fibrosis of the heart muscle. Fibrosis is the proliferation of connective tissue and the appearance of scars on organs. Fibrosis of the heart is an irreversible process. The main goal of therapy is to stop the development of the process and treat the underlying ailment.

The main drugs used for cardiomyopathy are beta-blockers (Atenolol, Propranolol); calcium channel blockers (Diltiazem), which relieve the load on the heart muscle.

Consequences of a stroke

A stroke in cats can be accompanied by a number of symptoms, including paralysis of not only the limbs, but also other parts of the body. For example, dysfunction of swallowing and breathing. In addition, loss of consciousness, disorientation, shock states are characteristic. It depends on how quickly medical assistance is provided, whether it will be possible to save the animal. In severe cases, paralysis of all muscles is possible. The sooner improvement occurs, the better the prognosis for recovery.

Alimentary hyperparathyroidism

The disease is a metabolic disorder in which, due to an unbalanced diet, the body develops a lack of calcium, vitamin D and an increased content of phosphorus. As a result, the parathyroid gland secretes too much of the so-called parathyroid hormone. The main symptoms of hyperparathyroidism relate to the structure and functions of the limbs, including:

• lameness;
• bone deformity;
• pathological fractures;
• strong pain;
• convulsions of the hind limbs.

The cat's legs move apart when walking, and, in the end, she gives up trying to walk.

The main treatment is to limit the ability of the cat to move and switch to a complete diet that compensates for the deficiency of important trace elements. The prognosis is usually favorable, after recovery, the feeling of numbness of the legs gradually disappears.

Consequences of tick bites

Numerous bites of ixodid ticks are very dangerous for cats. They carry many dangerous diseases: piroplasmosis, tularemia, encephalitis. Not the last place is occupied by tick-borne paralysis.

Tick ​​paralysis occurs when insects are poisoned with toxins, if several individuals attacked the animal at once. The main symptoms: agitated state, anxiety, which turns into apathy and indifference. At this stage, paralysis of the limbs may also occur. Treatment is effective only in the early stages of the disease.

To protect the animal, it is necessary to periodically treat it with special drops from ticks. In addition, you need to know the method of getting rid of a stuck tick on your own if medical assistance is not available:

1. Treat the area where the insect has stuck, lubricate it with an airtight liquid (oil, cream). A choking tick will significantly weaken the grip.
2. Using tweezers and a magnifying glass, first remove the head, and then, in pairs, the legs of the insect from the skin.
3. Lubricate the tick again with oil, and, after a while, using a loop made of a thin thread, pull out the insect. Treat a bleeding wound to a cat.

Diagnosis of paralysis of the paws

If the initial examination is not enough to determine the cause of paw paralysis, then the following diagnostic methods are used:

• determination of neurological reactions;
• x-ray of the spine and affected limbs;
• Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity;
• detailed analysis of blood and urine;
• taking smears for bacteriological analysis;
• MRI and CT of areas of the body where pathology is suspected (spine, abdomen, brain);
• determining the level of sensitivity of the affected limbs.

Restorative home treatments for paralysis of the paws

If the cat's hind legs have failed, daily restorative procedures will be useful to him. The owner may well deal with the pet on their own at home.

1. Paw massage should be done 5 to 7 times a day. For 10-15 minutes, massage the limbs with light but intense movements. This will help restore the conductivity of nerve impulses, and will not allow the muscles to atrophy.
2. Very useful therapeutic exercises in the form of forced flexion and extension of the limbs.
3. You can imitate walking with the help of a kind of walker, which can be made from a wide towel passed under the cat's belly. Supporting the animal in this way, it is necessary to provoke him to rearrange his paws on his own. If it is difficult for him, you can help with your hands.
4. Swimming gives very good results if the cat is not afraid of water. Once in a pond or bath, the animal involuntarily moves its paws, trying to swim, while the owner holds it under its stomach. It is noticed that the cure after a course of such exercises comes much faster.
5. Tickling paws will help the owner to feel the moment when the animal begins to feel them, in response to irritation.
6. Ball exercises are effective. The cat is placed on a ball of suitable size. Her paws, hanging down, should almost touch the floor, so that when she skates, she seems to stand on them.

If the treatment of the cat did not bring the expected effect, and she still drags her hind legs, then you should not euthanize the animal. There is a way out in this case too. There are specialized wheelchairs for cats that perform the functions of limbs. Having mastered, the cat will be able to move quite quickly on such a stroller without the help of the owner. The quality of life of the animal when using such a device remains quite high.

First of all, you need to decide whether you have enough strength, time and money to provide your pet with proper support and care. It may take years for a cat. If the problem cannot be fixed in a short time, veterinarians usually do not give hope to clients, believing that no one needs a long and tedious treatment.

Therefore, if you have soberly assessed your capabilities and made a choice in favor, inform the veterinarian. Depending on the cause of paralysis of the hind legs, he will prescribe a scheme for recovery on an individual basis.

What can be done additionally.

Once a competent veterinarian is found and the necessary prescriptions are obtained, the owner can speed up the treatment process by taking additional measures. Massage will help improve the condition of the cat. It should be performed with light, but fairly intense movements. So the muscles do not have time to atrophy quickly. Massage must be performed every day for five sessions lasting ten minutes.

Do not refuse water procedures. Even if the cat shows displeasure. In the recovery process, swimming is very effective. It is enough just to lower the animal into the water a couple of times a week, wherever it strains, trying to move them. In this case, the cat must be supported.

Also, the basic treatment of paralyzed legs can be supplemented by exercises on the ball. Put on a ball of the right size. In this case, the paws should touch the floor. Your task is to make the cat start resting its limbs on the floor. To do this, slowly roll the ball back and forth.

Over time, when the paralysis of the hind legs recede and sensitivity returns to them, try tickling the cat behind the ear. The reflex will work and he will make an attempt to reach the ear with his back paw to scratch it. It will also be a kind of training.

If the treatment was not effective.

Sometimes all your efforts go to waste. In this case, you can either euthanize the pet, or purchase a special wheelchair for him. Very soon, the cat will learn to use this simple device on its own and will not experience difficulties in moving.

If something is wrong with the health of a pet, it always causes serious concern for the owner. It is important to know the reasons why the cat's hind legs fail, and to imagine what measures must be taken to restore the normal state of the animal. Without a visit to the veterinarian in such a situation is simply not enough.

Delay quite often can cost a cat its life, which is why even a slight disturbance in gait, and even more so paralysis of the hind limbs, require urgent treatment. The longer treatment is delayed, the greater the risk that paw mobility will not be restored, or even that the pet will die.

Signs that paws fail

Limbs are not always taken away abruptly, and there are cases when symptoms of movement disorders appear at first, but the animal does not completely lose control of the paws. In such a situation, the owner notices the following manifestations of pathology:

1. wobbling of the hind limbs - a small kitten who is just starting to walk wobbles for natural reasons and does not need treatment;
2. the animal uncertainly steps on its hind legs - the cat, before taking the next step, seems to be looking for balance. At the same time, the pet cannot walk quickly;
3. dragging paws - the cat does not step over the sick paws, but pulls them up without lifting them from the floor, from which it begins to seem that she is trying to crawl the way she does during the hunt, sneaking up on the prey. This is usually followed by paralysis;
4. the cat's hind legs began to move apart - they refuse after that after 2-3 months;
5. squatting on the hind legs - most often occurs if the cat is already 10 years old or more;
6. swelling in the pelvic area - may occur if the cat was bitten by a dog;
7. loss of general mobility and preference for rest over play, even at a young age. Often, when walking, the cat has to be helped.

The appearance of signs that the pet's hind legs are failing should be a reason for an immediate visit to the veterinarian, until the cat's limbs are completely paralyzed, and he does not move around, only leaning on his front paws and dragging his body along the floor.

Causes of limb failure in a cat

There are many reasons for the appearance of impaired mobility in cats. It is almost impossible to independently determine what the hind legs refused. An accurate diagnosis and the correct treatment will be prescribed only by a veterinarian, after conducting the necessary tests and a complete examination of the cat. The failure of the hind legs of a cat is a reason for urgent action.

Experts identify many reasons why the cat's hind legs failed. The movement of a cat can become disturbed for the following reasons.

• Spinal injury in the lumbar region. It occurs more often in cats that roam freely on the street and may be hit by a car. There is also a high risk of such damage if the cat fell from a great height onto a hard surface. At home, it is also impossible to completely exclude damage to the spine. With a similar injury in a cat, in addition to the paws, the mobility of the tail is also impaired, since the lumbar spine, which is responsible for the mobility of the entire lower body, is damaged. General weakness is possible.
• Thromboembolism. A dangerous condition that occurs due to blockage of the femoral artery by a thrombus. In such a situation, the cat experiences acute pain in the lumbar region and therefore begins to bite this place strongly. She also meows loudly in pain. The paws do not completely fail at first, and the cat only drags them when moving. Soon, as the tissues become necrotic, the paws are completely paralyzed and become cold.
  If help is not provided to the cat in the next 2 hours, then in most cases the cat dies in 2-3 days. If the pet has received the necessary therapy, then even a complete restoration of the mobility of the limbs is possible. It is impossible to start treatment on your own.

• Traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injury. With such a violation, the cat's paws are taken away and all sensitivity is lost. Gradually, if treatment is not started, tissues begin to atrophy and completely lose their functions. Restoring the mobility of the paws is not always possible, and in some cases the animal needs a wheelchair for normal movement. The device is fastened to the animal in a special way, and the cat, moving with its front paws, moves while the rear part of the body rides on the stroller. The hind legs are raised.
• Tick ​​paralysis. A very dangerous disease that leads to 100% mortality if treatment is not started within a day after the onset of the first symptoms of the disease. Pathology occurs when bitten by ixodid ticks, which produce special substances poisoning the cat's body. Initially, the animal behaves extremely excited. Then apathy develops and paralysis sets in, paws fail. The cat trembles and reacts poorly to external stimuli. There is a chance to save the cat only if you start treating him at the moment of excitement. If the paws fail, it's too late.
• Inflammation of the spinal cord. Myelitis occurs due to infectious lesions, helminthic invasions, poisoning with salts of heavy metals, injuries and autoimmune reactions. In such a situation, in addition to the fact that the paws fail, the cat has a general fever, urinary incontinence and digestive problems. If treatment begins immediately after the onset of symptoms of the disease, then the restoration of limb mobility in a cat is quite possible. In old animals, most often the restoration of mobility is not complete, but satisfactory.
• Dysplasia of the hip joint. Large heavy animals, such as Maine Coons, as well as Chartreuse cats, are prone to this disease. With this pathology, there is a violation in the development of the joint. As a result, when moving, the cat experiences severe pain, which changes the pet's gait. The cat walks, winding and uncertainly placing its hind legs, and tries not to jump. If sick animals have to jump onto a bench or chair, they often fall on their side and meow because of the acute pain that has arisen. Treatment is only supportive.

If there are problems with the limbs, the cat should be immediately shown to the veterinarian. The most likely diagnosis is trauma. Learn how to treat a cat's paws at the veterinarian in detail. Causes of paralysis in cats are varied and the owner should be aware of the main ones.

The illnesses of our smaller brothers greatly disturb and upset the owners. However, you can fight them if you know what the animal got sick with and how to properly treat it. It is noteworthy that cats, like other animals, quite often suffer from diseases that are associated with impaired functioning of the limbs (more on). At the same time, such diseases do not always occur due to unsuccessful landings on the paws. Often, cats pull their paws due to violations of the internal organs. And, here are some, and why - our publication will tell you about this today ...

Limb dysfunction in cats

Have you noticed behind your pet that he is pulling his hind legs, his gait has become uncertain, and instead of making graceful jumps, the cat awkwardly misses, breaks down and falls from a height (what if)? Does your pet often stretch its hind legs, and at the same time meow plaintively? In addition, often your attempts to pet him in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe spine and tail end in very aggressive behavior on the part of the cat? Do not rush to think that the problem lies only in the injury of the spine or hind legs - their cat could get while jumping earlier. The reason may be internal violations. And in more detail about them, and about their symptoms, we will tell you right now. But first, let's decide what examinations need to be done with the animal, what tests to pass, in order to diagnose the cause of impaired limb mobility in a cat.

Diagnosis of the causes of limb dysfunction in a cat

In order to establish which of the following reasons is relevant in your case, you should, of course, seek the advice of a veterinarian at the nearest veterinary clinic. After examining the pet, the specialist will probably prescribe you to donate blood to the cat, her urine, as well as to do an ultrasound scan of the pet’s internal organs and an X-ray of the spine (more about). Thanks to the results of this minimum package of examinations, it will already be possible to draw the first conclusions about the causes of such a violation, and, accordingly, talk about the treatment of the disease.

Causes of impaired mobility of the limbs in a cat

Here we directly approached the very causes of impaired mobility of the limbs in a cat. One of them will definitely be indicated by the results of tests and examinations of a sick pet.

Glandular cystic hyperplasia in cats

Such a violation is also called. It is characterized not only by a violation of the mobility of the hind limbs in a cat - the animal pulls its paws, but also by frequent urination, increased thirst. At the same time, the pet looks weakened, prefers to spend most of the day lying down. Often, with an advanced stage of purulent endometritis, a cat has bloating, and painful sensations, which a poor pet can report with a loud meow.

But, cases of purulent endometritis, due to physiological characteristics, can only be in cats.

As for the treatment of such a violation, then it is the removal of the inflamed uterus and ovaries. Such a simple strip operation can be performed in any veterinary clinic. As for attempts at drug treatment, they do not justify the hopes placed on them, since there is a high risk of relapse after the next estrus.

Pinched sciatic nerve in a cat

The animal can pull the hind legs and due to pinching of the sciatic nerve. Veterinarians themselves claim that such cases occur quite often in their practice. That's just, diagnosing and treating such a violation is not so easy. Since pinching can be almost asymptomatic - the cat's appetite, toilet and sleep are not disturbed in most cases, but only some limitation in the animal's mobility - the cat has difficulty walking, it is difficult for her to sit, she lies, stretching her hind legs, indicate that that the animal is still unhealthy.

Treatment should be carried out by a veterinarian who has an approach to animals, since cats in this state are very shy and even treat their owners with distrust.

Diseases of the internal organs

Often, diseases of the internal organs can be accompanied by a symptom such as limited mobility of the hind limbs in a cat. With problems with the liver and kidneys, the cat can pull its paws. In order to exclude the likelihood of these diseases, it is imperative to do not only an x-ray of the spine, but also donate blood and urine of a sick cat for analysis. It is they who can say, perhaps the cat is sick, or she has kidney stones, or perhaps we are talking about kidney failure. Depending on the result of the tests and the diagnosis, a course of treatment is prescribed.