My cat started having difficulty walking a week ago, I took her to the vet,and they did not fine anything wrong with her they did some test, the next day another Dr from the clinic call me and told me her LDH and Amylase were high, and gave some medicines for her to take. The trouble with her walking was increasing, and now she is dragging her back left leg, I took her to the same vet again,and he did some xrays and examined her with a needle on her leg, the x rays showed that the hip bone is out of the socket, and mostly she will need surgery, but they can not warranty the results of the surgery, that me may need to start thinking about putting her to sleep. Im devastated because she eats, she tries to move around regarding of her dragging legs, also the situation keeps lingering, because they wanted an specialist to see the x rays. My husband thinks that maybe by just pulling her leg the bone could be move in place. I also read some where in the internet that keeping the cat in a cage, and limiting her moving , the joint may fix itself.https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18167#msg-18167Sun, 31 May 2026 22:25:20 +0000 Phorum 5.2.23 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18434#msg-18434 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18434#msg-18434
There have been lots of postings on the website about cats that are lame. AS a result I thought I would be better to give one answer to everyone and try and cover most of the angles.

If your cat goes outside (or if you have more than one cat) and you have not seen it have a fall then more likely than not the cat has been bitten, almost certainly by another cat. Sometimes people think the cat has been bitten by a fox or dog but this is not common and the leg is usually broken if this happens. In the first 24 hours there may be no swelling or heat at the site of injury but lameness itself is an indicator of pain. If the cat has been bitten then usually swelling occurs within 24-48 hours. This may be localised eg to the foot (abscess usually) or maybe extend up the whole leg (cellulitis) depending upon where the cat was bitten.

If the abscess bursts and pus comes out then the cat may heal itself by licking at the wound and keeping it open. In any event bathing the area with salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in a coffee mug of warm water, or better use Epsom salts) will help draw out the pus and speed healing. If the foot is affected then holding in the salty water for 5 minutes is best. This needs to be done at least 3 times a day. The more often you do it the quicker it will get better. The important thing is to keep the wound open (which may be very small) so the pus can get out. In many cases this is enough.

If there is cellulitis (the leg is swollen) then you really need to go to the vet for antibiotics. If you are bathing a wound and it does not improve greatly in 48 hours or if your cat goes off its food or is otherwise unwell then you should go to the vet for antibiotics.

Many people think that their cat may have a broken leg, especially if they have seen it fall. Like us the can have a sprain or a strained muscle and this can be painful and take a long time to get better. If your cat is limping then it is doing so because it is in pain. Certainly if this persists for more than 24-48 hours it would be kindest to go to the vet and get some painkillers and to make sure nothing is broken.

Sometimes broken bones are obvious because there is a bend in the leg which should not be there in which cases you must go to the vet. In other cases broken bones are not obvious. Broken toes will usually sort themselves out without any treatment (apart from painkillers) but it is for your vet to decide this. If an important bone is broken then this needs dealing with and unlike people a cast is not really useful and the cat often needs metal work put in the leg to repair it; unfortunately this can be expensive. Some bones heal well but other bones, especially if they are in lots of pieces after an injury, can be difficult to heal or take many months. Sometimes your vet may suggest removing the leg as the best option – cats do really well on 3 legs so don’t panic that they may be crippled. They will still climb trees and get on your roof!

One thing that often surprises people is that cats that fall short distances (less than 2 floors) often have worse injuries than those that fall from very great heights. This is called ‘high rise syndrome’ and is because the further the cat has to fall, the more chance there is that it will land on its feet and be ok. Short falls (less than 10 feet) therefore often cause worse injuries.

One injury that is common is a dislocated hip (either from a fall or a road accident). Cats often adapt within a few days to this but it is still very painful. This is best treated by replacing the hip but often needs surgery to keep it in place because the torn ligaments do not keep it in place. You need to see your vet about this.

What is important to remember is that limping means your cat is sore or in pain and if it continues it is kindest for your cat to see your vet and get help. Often with experience, especially if your cat is a fighter, you can spot a cat bite early and treat it before you need to go to the vet. Whatever happens your vet is there to help so don’t delay going if you are worried.

At the end of the day if you are concerned you should always go to a vet and remember that limping means pain – if it was you you would take an aspirin (never give human drugs to cats as many are very poisonous) so go to your vet and get some drugs to make your cat happier!

Sometimes lameness is due to nerve injury (the cat may stand on the top of its foot or drag the leg) or a blood clot (usually one or both back legs and often the cat is crying in pain and the feet are col; if this is the case then you need to see the vet immediately.]]> MarkRicher Ask The VetMon, 28 Mar 2011 17:37:05 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18433#msg-18433 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18433#msg-18433-------------------------------------------------------
> I am in the US, but just in need of advice, I have
> a kitten, she is about 8-9 months old now, I came
> home to find her curled under my bed, she wouldn't
> come out to me and I had to crawl under ther to
> get her. Her front, right foot, right at the bend
> in the leg and foot, she is just letting it hang
> there, refusing to put any weight on it, it seems
> to be a bit more lose than her other fron foot,
> she didn't fight me when I was looking it over, I
> can't find any type of bite mark, or any other
> wound, the only time she fussed was when I trying
> to softly straighten the foot. Like I said, I
> believe it hurts where the joint is... I am really
> worried about her, she is sitting here at my side
> just laying wth me and doesn't want me to leave
> her side, I lost my job and have no money for the
> vet, Do you think it is broken? And if so... I
> really should find a way to pay for the vet
> shouldn't I?
> Katy]]> zaigon Ask The VetSat, 26 Mar 2011 16:35:15 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18432#msg-18432 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18432#msg-18432
There have been lots of postings on the website about cats that are lame. AS a result I thought I would be better to give one answer to everyone and try and cover most of the angles.

If your cat goes outside (or if you have more than one cat) and you have not seen it have a fall then more likely than not the cat has been bitten, almost certainly by another cat. Sometimes people think the cat has been bitten by a fox or dog but this is not common and the leg is usually broken if this happens. In the first 24 hours there may be no swelling or heat at the site of injury but lameness itself is an indicator of pain. If the cat has been bitten then usually swelling occurs within 24-48 hours. This may be localised eg to the foot (abscess usually) or maybe extend up the whole leg (cellulitis) depending upon where the cat was bitten.

If the abscess bursts and pus comes out then the cat may heal itself by licking at the wound and keeping it open. In any event bathing the area with salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in a coffee mug of warm water, or better use Epsom salts) will help draw out the pus and speed healing. If the foot is affected then holding in the salty water for 5 minutes is best. This needs to be done at least 3 times a day. The more often you do it the quicker it will get better. The important thing is to keep the wound open (which may be very small) so the pus can get out. In many cases this is enough.

If there is cellulitis (the leg is swollen) then you really need to go to the vet for antibiotics. If you are bathing a wound and it does not improve greatly in 48 hours or if your cat goes off its food or is otherwise unwell then you should go to the vet for antibiotics.

Many people think that their cat may have a broken leg, especially if they have seen it fall. Like us the can have a sprain or a strained muscle and this can be painful and take a long time to get better. If your cat is limping then it is doing so because it is in pain. Certainly if this persists for more than 24-48 hours it would be kindest to go to the vet and get some painkillers and to make sure nothing is broken.

Sometimes broken bones are obvious because there is a bend in the leg which should not be there in which cases you must go to the vet. In other cases broken bones are not obvious. Broken toes will usually sort themselves out without any treatment (apart from painkillers) but it is for your vet to decide this. If an important bone is broken then this needs dealing with and unlike people a cast is not really useful and the cat often needs metal work put in the leg to repair it; unfortunately this can be expensive. Some bones heal well but other bones, especially if they are in lots of pieces after an injury, can be difficult to heal or take many months. Sometimes your vet may suggest removing the leg as the best option – cats do really well on 3 legs so don’t panic that they may be crippled. They will still climb trees and get on your roof!

One thing that often surprises people is that cats that fall short distances (less than 2 floors) often have worse injuries than those that fall from very great heights. This is called ‘high rise syndrome’ and is because the further the cat has to fall, the more chance there is that it will land on its feet and be ok. Short falls (less than 10 feet) therefore often cause worse injuries.

One injury that is common is a dislocated hip (either from a fall or a road accident). Cats often adapt within a few days to this but it is still very painful. This is best treated by replacing the hip but often needs surgery to keep it in place because the torn ligaments do not keep it in place. You need to see your vet about this.

What is important to remember is that limping means your cat is sore or in pain and if it continues it is kindest for your cat to see your vet and get help. Often with experience, especially if your cat is a fighter, you can spot a cat bite early and treat it before you need to go to the vet. Whatever happens your vet is there to help so don’t delay going if you are worried.

At the end of the day if you are concerned you should always go to a vet and remember that limping means pain – if it was you you would take an aspirin (never give human drugs to cats as many are very poisonous) so go to your vet and get some drugs to make your cat happier!

Sometimes lameness is due to nerve injury (the cat may stand on the top of its foot or drag the leg); if this is the case then you need to see the vet.]]> MarkRicher Ask The VetTue, 22 Mar 2011 14:03:59 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18431#msg-18431 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18431#msg-18431
There have been lots of postings on the website about cats that are lame. AS a result I thought I would be better to give one answer to everyone and try and cover most of the angles.

If your cat goes outside (or if you have more than one cat) and you have not seen it have a fall then more likely than not the cat has been bitten, almost certainly by another cat. Sometimes people think the cat has been bitten by a fox or dog but this is not common and the leg is usually broken if this happens. In the first 24 hours there may be no swelling or heat at the site of injury but lameness itself is an indicator of pain. If the cat has been bitten then usually swelling occurs within 24-48 hours. This may be localised eg to the foot (abscess usually) or maybe extend up the whole leg (cellulitis) depending upon where the cat was bitten.

If the abscess bursts and pus comes out then the cat may heal itself by licking at the wound and keeping it open. In any event bathing the area with salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in a coffee mug of warm water, or better use Epsom salts) will help draw out the pus and speed healing. If the foot is affected then holding in the salty water for 5 minutes is best. This needs to be done at least 3 times a day. The more often you do it the quicker it will get better. The important thing is to keep the wound open (which may be very small) so the pus can get out. In many cases this is enough.

If there is cellulitis (the leg is swollen) then you really need to go to the vet for antibiotics. If you are bathing a wound and it does not improve greatly in 48 hours or if your cat goes off its food or is otherwise unwell then you should go to the vet for antibiotics.

Many people think that their cat may have a broken leg, especially if they have seen it fall. Like us the can have a sprain or a strained muscle and this can be painful and take a long time to get better. If your cat is limping then it is doing so because it is in pain. Certainly if this persists for more than 24-48 hours it would be kindest to go to the vet and get some painkillers and to make sure nothing is broken.

Sometimes broken bones are obvious because there is a bend in the leg which should not be there in which cases you must go to the vet. In other cases broken bones are not obvious. Broken toes will usually sort themselves out without any treatment (apart from painkillers) but it is for your vet to decide this. If an important bone is broken then this needs dealing with and unlike people a cast is not really useful and the cat often needs metal work put in the leg to repair it; unfortunately this can be expensive. Some bones heal well but other bones, especially if they are in lots of pieces after an injury, can be difficult to heal or take many months. Sometimes your vet may suggest removing the leg as the best option – cats do really well on 3 legs so don’t panic that they may be crippled. They will still climb trees and get on your roof!

One thing that often surprises people is that cats that fall short distances (less than 2 floors) often have worse injuries than those that fall from very great heights. This is called ‘high rise syndrome’ and is because the further the cat has to fall, the more chance there is that it will land on its feet and be ok. Short falls (less than 10 feet) therefore often cause worse injuries.

One injury that is common is a dislocated hip (either from a fall or a road accident). Cats often adapt within a few days to this but it is still very painful. This is best treated by replacing the hip but often needs surgery to keep it in place because the torn ligaments do not keep it in place. You need to see your vet about this.

What is important to remember is that limping means your cat is sore or in pain and if it continues it is kindest for your cat to see your vet and get help. Often with experience, especially if your cat is a fighter, you can spot a cat bite early and treat it before you need to go to the vet. Whatever happens your vet is there to help so don’t delay going if you are worried.

At the end of the day if you are concerned you should always go to a vet and remember that limping means pain – if it was you you would take an aspirin (never give human drugs to cats as many are very poisonous) so go to your vet and get some drugs to make your cat happier!

Sometimes lameness is due to nerve injury (the cat may stand on the top of its foot or drag the leg); if this is the case then you need to see the vet.]]> MarkRicher Ask The VetSun, 20 Mar 2011 17:50:02 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18430#msg-18430 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18430#msg-18430 Redwan Ask The VetFri, 18 Mar 2011 20:35:10 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18429#msg-18429 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18429#msg-18429
I called a vet who told me that she needed xrays and pain killers but I feel like it may be just a bruise and heal on its own. Its not getting worse, maybe just the same or a little better. Should I take her for xrays immediatly, or should I wait a few days to see if it will heal? How long before I should really worry?]]> Jayme Ask The VetMon, 14 Mar 2011 18:17:22 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18428#msg-18428 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18428#msg-18428 jen Ask The VetSat, 12 Mar 2011 19:19:01 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18411#msg-18411 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18411#msg-18411

Thanks for any suggestions,
tw]]> mother Teresa Ask The VetThu, 09 Sep 2010 02:11:02 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18400#msg-18400 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18400#msg-18400
This most likely to be the result of a bite from another cat, and may go sptic. If it does not improve after a few days it may need antibiotics]]> VetClick Ask The VetTue, 15 Jun 2010 15:20:15 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18399#msg-18399 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18399#msg-18399
Your kitten's leg is unlkely to be broken at such a young age. If it has not imprved in 3 or 4 days you my wish to get it seen by a vet,]]> VetClick Ask The VetTue, 15 Jun 2010 15:18:26 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18398#msg-18398 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18398#msg-18398 JamesL10 Ask The VetMon, 14 Jun 2010 10:56:42 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18397#msg-18397 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18397#msg-18397 peggy g Ask The VetFri, 11 Jun 2010 06:51:25 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18396#msg-18396 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18396#msg-18396 VetClick Ask The VetMon, 07 Jun 2010 09:02:14 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18395#msg-18395 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18395#msg-18395
The only problem is she is due in a few days (maybe a week and a half at most, im not sure) and Im hoping theres no complications, this is my first and its first time witnessing and giving birth so if the pain doesnt pass before then, Im afraid that there will be more pain than normal giving birth as its her back leg giving the problem

any advice]]> Colum Ask The VetSun, 06 Jun 2010 12:01:06 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18394#msg-18394 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18394#msg-18394A common injury after such a fall is to the hard palate - the head keeps going after the legs have absorbed the impact on the body, and the lower jaw sometimes smashes up against the upper jaw. Look inside his mouth and see if the palate has a red line down the middle. If so, that may need veterinary attention.]]> VetClick Ask The VetFri, 21 May 2010 08:53:09 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18393#msg-18393 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18393#msg-18393
My cat has fallen from the window. He is 12 weeks old. He is walking ok with a slight limp and does not cry out when i touch it. There is no swelling that i can feel . do you think it is a sprain or could it be broken? Many thanks]]> ROBERT Ask The VetThu, 20 May 2010 21:59:16 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18392#msg-18392 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18392#msg-18392 Walter Beswick Ask The VetSat, 17 Apr 2010 07:37:38 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18391#msg-18391 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18391#msg-183912 weeks ago my cat got into a fight and recieved a bite on his front leg. I took him to the vet and he was given injections and anti biotics. A week later he started limping severly again, i took him back, another £60 injection and told there didnt appear to be any infection, possibly he had sprained it and this takes time to recover from. well, its a week later, and he still limps, sometimes trying to avoid using the paw. Is this really normal?]]> raydene Ask The VetFri, 16 Apr 2010 19:20:02 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18390#msg-18390 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18390#msg-18390
Jhange your vet if you are not happy with the one you attend. Your cat may have been bitten by anither cat, or he may have a broken leg or a dislocated hip; Impossible to say which without examining him.

W]]> Walter Beswick Ask The VetSat, 06 Mar 2010 18:43:25 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18389#msg-18389 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18389#msg-18389 jason Ask The VetSat, 06 Mar 2010 18:09:44 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18388#msg-18388 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18388#msg-18388
I'd like a bit of advice if possible. We brought our kitten home yesterday (he is 14weeks old) and was walking completely normally when we saw him. The lady we bought him from owns our local cattery so I'm sure she wouldn't have sold him to us if he'd had a problem before. He did struggle a little as we tried to get him into the carrier to bring him home (its the only thing we can think might have done it) and now he seems to be limping. He has never been outside.

The damage seems to be to his left hind leg, he walks about quite happily (but with a rather wonky gait) but holds it up much higher than the right one when you pick him up. He has eaten and used his litter tray. He's avoiding jumping (to get on the sofa he puts his front legs on and drags himself up) but is fine with us touching his leg, it isnt noticeably swollen and he doesn't seem to be in any pain. We are going to the vets on Monday (3days time) for his vaccinations but do you think it sounds like something that might be serious and should we take him before?

Sorry for the essay but he's our first, and only pet and we're pretty worried about him.

Thank you very much x]]> Elise Ask The VetFri, 19 Feb 2010 22:53:53 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18387#msg-18387 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18387#msg-18387
Just leave her in her box to come out in her own good time.

W]]> Walter Beswick Ask The VetWed, 03 Feb 2010 09:26:50 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18386#msg-18386 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18386#msg-18386 Jadene Ask The VetTue, 02 Feb 2010 20:48:51 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18385#msg-18385 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18385#msg-18385
You wil see from earlier posts that by far the commonest cause of this problem is a bit from another cat - often high up on the thigh and not in the foot itself. The bite wound can be very difficult to find in the fur, especially when the cat does not like being handled.

W]]> Walter Beswick Ask The VetThu, 31 Dec 2009 08:13:23 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18384#msg-18384 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18384#msg-18384My cat katie has been limping on her left back leg. She can kinda put weight on it and i checked for any bite marks but she growls when you touch it, she has slept all day and wont eat ir drink anything. Going to take her to the vets if they are open. I would be gratefull if u helped. Thanks
Rebecca

Oh i dont know how she done it, i just picked her up then put her down and i realised she coundnt put weight on her leg.]]> Rebecca emily Ask The VetWed, 30 Dec 2009 06:41:36 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18383#msg-18383 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18383#msg-18383My kitten has been sort of hopping on one front paw on and off for about a week. There are no cuts, no swelling, and she does walk on it sometimes. I don't really know if its anything. She sort of minds me touching it, she won't scratch or anything she just tries to pull away and meows. I don't know if there is anything wrong but I am worried.

why is she hopping? could it be a sprain?]]> Nne Ask The VetTue, 22 Dec 2009 20:47:29 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18382#msg-18382 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18382#msg-18382By far the most likely explnanation is a bite from another cat. Search his paw and lower leg very carefully, separating the fur and looking for one or more tiney punture wounds which have been made by another cat's teeth.

W]]> Walter Beswick Ask The VetMon, 24 Aug 2009 07:15:49 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18381#msg-18381 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18381#msg-18381 Jordin Ask The VetSun, 23 Aug 2009 23:46:38 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18380#msg-18380 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18380#msg-18380 helxx Ask The VetThu, 16 Apr 2009 08:55:31 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18379#msg-18379 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,18167,18379#msg-18379
If your vet found no signs of a bite or a break, presumably you cat has strained her leg. If this is the case, you do not need to worry, it will mend in time without any specific treatment.

W]]> Walter Beswick Ask The VetTue, 03 Mar 2009 08:33:04 +0000