LIMPING IN CATS: CAUSES AND TREATMENT

Limping in cats is often an indication that something has impacted a cat’s ability to move normally. A limp may develop suddenly due to an accident or gradually as a result of a long term medical condition. Based on the cause of the limp, your cat may favor one leg over the others, refrain from putting weight on one limb, or show reluctance to jump, climb, run, etc.

While many cases are caused by minor traumas which will resolve with rest, other cases can be indicative of serious conditions such as orthopedic issues, neurological problems and infectious disorders which require veterinary attention.

Reasons for Limping

Limping can result from a wide range of issues, from minor paw injuries to more complex diseases affecting the bones, joints, muscles, nerves, etc.

Common reasons include:

• Sprains & strains
• Fractures & dislocations
• Cuts, wounds, bruises
• Injuries to the paw pad
• Torn or infected nails
• A foreign object lodged in the paw
• Arthritis or joint disease
• Bite wound or abscess
• Metabolic bone diseases or joint disorders
• Nerve injuries, neurological conditions

Trauma is by far the most frequent cause of limping in cats. Falls, jumping accidents, road traffic incidents and fights with other animals all have the potential to lead to injuries that will impact mobility. In older cats, arthritis is a common cause of chronic limping and stiffness.

Symptoms

The severity of symptoms will often relate to the underlying cause and how much pain there is. Some cats may show only a slight change in their gait, while others may not be able to carry any weight at all on the affected limb.

Signs associated with Limping include:

• Favoring one leg
• Walking with an irregular gait
• Reluctance to jump or climb
• Reduced activity levels
• Swelling around the joints of the limbs
• Excessive licking or chewing of the affected area
• Hiding or avoiding interaction with people
• Irritability when touched
• Visible wounds or deformities

Most cats will continue to walk and actively behave as they did before, despite experiencing significant discomfort. Careful observation is important.

Risks

Limping allows the underlying disease to deteriorate and increases the possibility of long term complications.

Chronic Pain

Untreated injuries and chronic diseases in the joints can cause constant pain, which can significantly reduce a cat’s quality of life.

Reduced Mobility

Prolonged pain will reduce a cat’s ability to run, jump, groom, and carry out normal daily tasks.

Progression of Underlying Disease

Without proper treatment, conditions such as arthritis, infection, fracture, or neurological disorder could become worse, resulting in more serious health issues.

Secondary Injuries

Cats who change their gait to alleviate pain may put additional pressure on the remaining limbs and joints and increase the chance of future injury.

Diagnosis

The first step to diagnose the condition is through a veterinary exam. A vet will look over your cat’s past medical record and physically examine your cat to assess the area of lameness, swelling, instability, or injury. Each limb, joint, and muscle will be thoroughly evaluated, and your veterinarian will also evaluate your cat’s gait by observing how they walk.

Any additional testing is based on what was found from the physical evaluation. Testing can consist of taking X-rays to view bones and joints; Blood work to check for infections or inflammation; or Advanced imaging such as CT scans or MRI for more complicated conditions.

Treatment

Treatment of a limping cat is based solely on the original condition causing the lameness. Rest and temporary reduction in activity might help minor soft tissue injuries.

If your cat has wounds, abscesses, or infections, they will need to have the wound cleaned, drained, treated with antibiotics, and relieved of pain.

Most bone fractures and joint dislocations need a lot more extensive treatment, such as splinting, casting, or surgery.

Longer-term care for cats suffering from arthritis can involve treating their symptoms with pain medication, maintaining their body weight, providing joint-support products, and modifying their environment.

Rehabilitation programs will also be beneficial. Cats suffering from neurologic conditions should receive treatments specifically targeting the underlying disorder of their nervous system.

Regardless of the cause of the lameness, relieving your cat’s pain is essential for improving movement and quality of life.

Prevention

Not every reason for a cat’s limping can be avoided, but there are things you can do to make sure fewer instances occur.

Keeping your cat in a safe area will decrease the likelihood of your cat falling down, getting into some kind of accident, or getting into a fight with another pet.

A healthier body weight will place less strain on the joints, which could help prevent future mobility problems associated with arthritis.

Regular visits to the vet will enable you to find out about potential health problems earlier in their development. Regular inspections of your cat’s paws and nails will help you catch any possible injuries or unwanted items prior to your cat experiencing too much pain.