cat back leg injury symptoms

They could have an ingrown claw burned their back paw pads or have an open wound from stepping on something sharp. Limping often is the result of a soft tissue injury in the animals leg like a strained muscle or injured ligament says Dr.

7 Ways To Tell If Your Cat Is In Pain Some May Surprise You

Cats can also develop weak and wobbly legs due to injurytrauma or falling from a height.

. However if your cat is lethargic unusually vocal or it reacts badly to touch then it is likely in pain. A sprained leg is usually swollen and warm to the touch over the affected joint. A cat that is in pain is likely to hide as well.

Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of back leg stiffness in cats aged 10. The caudal cruciate ligament is anchored in the back of the tibia and connects to the front of the femur. A cat with a soft tissue injury may appear stiff and flinch when stroked.

Injuries to the spinal muscles bite wounds and infections can cause neck and back pain in cats. Flinching the cat recoils when its back is touched. A traumatic pet injury can be the most difficult cat problem to look at and deal with emotionally.

Being hit by a car falling from a height or being accidentally struck or stepped upon can cause a senior cats back legs to suddenly become weak says Dr. A sprain is usually a minor injury to the ligaments in the limbs of a cat. Dorothy Nelson an associate veterinarian at the Scottsdale Cat Clinic in Arizona.

The limb may sometimes dangle as they walk but some may bear weight on the limb if the fracture doesnt render the leg unstable. Their primary function is to prevent the lower leg from moving forward of the femur during movement. Symptoms Causes and treatments.

We can also see how they put pressure on the ground. Seeing a cat injury sustained too many times by my own cats as well as other outdoor cats was no doubt a major factor in my decision to make my own cats indoor cats. Various factors can cause a cats back to hurt including.

Through observation we can see if the cat is limping on their front leg or limping on their back leg. The affected limb may be swollen and hot to the touch. The CCL are the main supporting ligaments in a cats knee.

Trauma As a Cause of Sudden Rear Limb Weakness in an Old Cat. Depending on the severity of the fracture or sprain a splint cast pins steel plates or screws may be used to hold the bone in place for healing. Infection of the vertebral discs inflammation of the discs or spinal fractures and dislocations can cause back pain in cats.

Bacterial or Viral Infection. Typically a cat with an untreated broken leg will show symptoms like noticeable limping. There is always a chance that in addition to the broken limb or pelvis another part of the cats body may be injured so keep that in mind when examining the cat for injuries and exercise caution as.

This can be hard to spot in cats because they usually try and mask their pain. If the cat is limping but they are able to place their whole foot on the ground. A cat injury comes in many shapes sizes and forms.

Pain is difficult to assess in cats. Sprains occur commonly on a cats rear legs and can be caused by his leaping onto an object misjudging the height and then falling down or scrambling with the hind legs to reach the top of the object. A cat with a broken leg or paw bone holds its leg completely off the ground and typically walks with a limp or places just a small amount of weight on a sprained or injured paw or leg according to Doctors Foster and Smith.

When either the front or back leg or the pelvis is broken a cat will show a number of signs that indicate there is a serious problem going on. Jules Benson BVSc chief veterinary officer with NationwideDVM a pet insurer company. Lameness or limping in cats can be caused by several underlying reasons.

A sprain in a cat is known as a soft tissue trauma that happens in the ligaments of one of the cats limbs. Limp or difficulty walking. Taking your cat to the vet can help heal the injury and your cat will be prancing around again before you know it.

Lameness can affect one leg or several legs and can be constant or come and go. Transporting an injured cat can worsen injuries so proceed with caution. Lameness or limping in cats.

If the carrier has a removable top take it off and gently lower the cat into the carrier. If your cat is having problems moving and one of its joints looks weird assess the cat for signs of pain. Lameness is typically in response to injury or abnormal anatomy and your pet may or may not be in pain.

With appropriate veterinary. Swelling in the affected leg. What Causes Back Pain in Cats.

Feline neck and back pain is often the result of one of many muscle diseases nerve problems or spinal disorders. Minor injuries can too be responsible for a cat wobbly walking on its back legs. If the cat is trying not to touch their paw to the floor it is possible there is an injury to their paw pad.

Soft tissue injuries A strain or sprain to the muscles ligaments or tendons surrounding the backbones. How to Tell if a Cat Has a Broken Leg. Very sharp and frequent meowing.

When the ligament is torn or unstable the lower leg slides forward also know. Lay the cat down with the injured leg up. The signs that your cat has broken its leg or has a major injury in the leg are.

Place the cat in a pet carrier while supporting the head and hips. Back leg stiffness is common in older cats but it can also affect younger cats and kittens. Nelson prescribes anti-inflammatory medications.

Sprains are also the most common cause for a cat to begin limping after receiving an injury. Take your pet to the veterinarian who can take X-rays to determine the actual problem.

Feline Hock Injuries Packerland Veterinary Center