Cat left hind leg limp, HELP What is this

[catgirl]

Hi, this afternoon my cat went to the litter box and could not get out. I picked him up and he screamed. His left leg is just dangling by his side. He has been limping his way around the kitchen. He is still eating and drinking. He was able to drag himself to the box and lay there to pee but then couldn't get out. I've posted before that he is probably dying. He has major heart disease, etc. Have any of you had this happen before? Is it a stroke? Is it part of the dying process? Thanks

[faeriedust1127]

unfortunately, there is really no way for any of us to tell you whats causing his leg pain anymore than you could call up your best friend and ask them if you have a cavity in your throbbing tooth.

Really the only way to know is to have a vet take a look and possibly do x-rays. my sister called me once about her cat having similar complaints with a back leg that he wouldnt walk on or let her touch, but that did not appear to be broken. In her case, her cat was FIV positive and had an abcess in his hip socket.

It could really be anything. I'm sorry I know that's not very helpful and it's hard to watch them in pain and not even know what's causing it or how to help. I'm sure your vet could help shed some more light with an exam.

[bellack1]

I agree, theres so many possibilities you should get him to the vet asap as his pain probably isnt getting better. Let us know what happens

[Chessmind]

Hi. Did you take your cat to the vet?

[catgirl]

He threw a blood clot and his left leg is dead. He is not in pain.

[catgirl]

It is cardiomyopathy thrombosis.

[Kyo_Kun]

I'm sorry to hear that. I'm glad he's not in pain anymore though.

[catgirl]

He is still here. Dragging his foot around, drinking and eating, and "the other." If he shows signs of pain or distress the decision will be made. Thank you for your thouhts.

[halaroo]

But he IS in pain. You don't want your cat to be in pain because you love him, but everything you've said just confirms to me that he is suffering. You said he screamed when you picked him up. And then you said he's throwing up blood! I'm sorry you're going through this, but please do something for him - take him to the vet right away!

[catgirl]

You are incorrect. I never said he threw up blood. He was in pain for the few minutes that it occured. I have taken him to the vet and confirmed that he is not in pain. I would not subject my friend to torture.

[catgirl]

Saying he threw a blood clot and saying him throwing up are completely different things.

[Shineillusion]

Halaroo, Catgirl didn't say the cat is throwing up blood. She said he threw a blood clot. The blood clot apparently caused blockage, which in turn caused the leg to "die". I'm assuming the clot caused spinal cord or nerve damage rather than blocking blood flow, and the nerve is dead. It's painful when it first happens, but once the nerve is dead there is no pain sensation. If there is any sensation left, numbness or tingling.

I sort of speak from experience. I have a "dead" foot due to nerve damage. When it first happened, it was very painful. But now, you could put a cigarette out on my foot, and I wouldn't feel a thing.

I'm assuming it's nerve damage, because if the clot had blocked blood flow, and the leg were truely dead, it would have to be amputated before gangrene set in.

I'm also assuming she already took the cat to the vet and it was diagnosed as cardiomyopathy thrombosis. Those aren't words your typical cat owner would use.

[catgirl]

Everything you said is correct. Thank you.

[halaroo]

I apologize for my ignorance on on the term "threw a blood clot". I'd never heard it before, but now I know. I'm glad he's not suffering and I do hope the two of you find peace soon. Good luck with everything and give the poor little guy hugs from me and mine. I don't think you've ever told us his name. I'd love to know!

[catgirl]

THank you for your thoughts. He is Rhet

[Chezza]

Ohhhh give him hugs from me too, its a very very hard thing you and him are going through, think of all the great love and happiness he gave you and you gave him.Even though at the end we lose our loved members of our family, the love they give us is sooooo worth it..

[catgirl]

Hi all, just wanted to let you know that my kitty died on Wed. He fought a good fight but in the end his body just couldn't hold on.

[halaroo]

Sorry for your loss. RIP Rhet.

[vene]

I'm very sorry for your loss. *Big hugs*

[catgirl]

Thank you for your thoughts. My heart is broken and no one will ever replace him (he was an only child), but I am sure that there are other kittys that need a loving home too.