10 Year old male cat dragging his back leg

by Teri Watwood
(Huntsville, AL )

Hi, we have a 10 year old cat named "Booger" who weighs 17 lbs. He has always been a big cat.

A few days ago, he would not eat. We had guests, so we thought maybe that was it. A day later, he started eating again. Then, the next morning he was dragging himself around. Kind of acting drunk. Almost like he had a stroke.

He can stand up on all legs for brief periods then falls. He is dragging himself to his food bowl. Have not seen him drink water. Took him to the Vet yesterday and they ran every test on him. X-rays and blood work. His liver enzymes were slightly elevated. Everything else was fine.

Vet suggested an MRI that costs $1500.00. She said probably lymphoma...?? Gave me prednisone to give him for two weeks. He was lethargic last night...looked like he was in pain...just laid there. This A.M. he is more alert and did somehow use his kitty box. Also ate a little bit. Sleeping now.

I did some research on the net and I have found some other info. Maybe a blood clot in him moving down his leg? Paws are pink and warm..not cold. Good circulation. He is not throwing up or diarrhea. We have no idea what could be wrong? Vet said maybe tumors in his lower extremities.

Should we try another vet?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Teri



Hi, Teri,

The first thing that came to mind as I started reading your letter was a blood clot in one leg or in the bifurcation of the aorta where the blood supply splits off and runs to each leg.

However, I would hope that the veterinarian would have been able to identify that condition by assessing the pulses in the hind legs and the temperature and color of the hind paws. Hopefully, his heart was assessed carefully also because clots tend to come from the condition called feline cardiomyopathy, thickening of the heart muscle.

While cancer is certainly a possibility, the sudden onset makes it a little less likely.

I would definitely seek a second opinion quickly before having an MRI performed. If you have a cats only hospital in your area or are near a veterinary referral center which has specialists such as cardiologists, neurologists, etc. or are within traveling distance to a veterinary school hospital, that would be best. Otherwise, make sure you see a veterinarian for your second opinion that really likes cats and has a great deal of experience with cats.

Best wishes for you and "Booger",
Dr. Neely