what could be the causes?

A cat can start limping for various reasons. It is therefore essential to identify the cause of the lameness so that the animal can receive adequate treatment. A consultation with the veterinarian is therefore necessary, and urgency is required in the event of extreme pain. Let’s take stock of the different avenues that can explain lameness in cats.

The different forms of lameness in cats

Lameness in the small feline can be of traumatic origin, of infectious origin or of pathological origin.

There lameness of traumatic origin in cats can result from:

• • A claw injury (claw torn off, ingrown claw),

• • A cut in a pad,

• • A foreign body in a pad (pebble, spikelet, splinter, etc.),

• • an insect bite,

• • A sprain,

• • A dislocation,

• • A muscle tear,

• • Fracture.

There lameness of infectious origin in cats can also be due to the presence of an abscess following a bite. This scenario is especially observed in cats that are used to spending time outdoors because they are more exposed to the risk of fights between congeners.

Finally, lameness in cats is sometimes related to a disease as :

• • Joint inflammation (osteoarthritis, arthritis, etc.),

• • A malignant tumor in the foot, for example

• • Damage to nerve endings, which is seen in particular in the presence of a herniated disc,

• • A vascular problem, when an artery is blocked by a clot.

It is essential that examinations be carried out by a veterinarian so that the cause of the lameness can be identified. It is strongly recommended that the owner not handle his cat as this can lead to very severe pain. In addition, the animal is likely to scratch or bite, even its breeder.

Lameness in cats: treatment

We consult the veterinarian emergency if the cat is in severe pain as this suggests a serious problem. THE kittens are not exempt because growth plates are at high risk of fractures. In order for the cat to be treated, a diagnosis must first be made. This may require additional examinations such as X-rays, scanners, MRIs, blood tests, etc.

If the lameness is accompanied by very moderate pain, and the cat is simply scratched at the level of a pad or a claw, it is sufficient to disinfect the wound with betadine or even to gently remove the thorn causing the lameness. Within a day or two, the little feline should be able to walk again without a limp.

In the case of limping of traumatic origin such as dislocation or sprain, for example, a splint may prove to be essential and the ideal is then to equip the cat with a collar so he can’t snatch his gear. Finally, a surgical intervention is decided in the event of a fracture, or if the cat has a joint problem, the veterinarian performs a arthroscopy using an endoscope, which not only makes it possible to make a diagnosis after visualizing the joint condition, but also to treat it at the same time.

When a cat limps, you may be tempted to give it an analgesic to ease its pain. Attention, the master must not never resort to self-medication, and under no circumstances should you give your cat a painkiller intended for humans because the animal can be seriously intoxicated. Only the veterinarian is authorized to prescribe a treatment perfectly adapted to his little patient. He can also decide to put the cat to rest so that the affected member is not overstretched: a period that can be more or less long depending on the origin of the lameness.