Limping kitty... :( (kitten, eating, male, dog) - - City-Data Forum

gizmo980 · 07-09-2007, 05:54 PM

Okay, so before you all say it, of course a vet visit would be the most logical solution - but my work schedule makes that VERY difficult, and I'm honestly not sure it's necessary... which is why I'm asking you all for advice first.

Now that I have that out of the way, I'll tell you what's going on - LOL. My kitty (6 1/2 year-old male Persian) has been limping for a few days, but I don't know why. He does go outside at night, and usually scales the fence into my neighbor's yard... so my best guess is that he "tweaked" it while jumping, especially since my dog occasionally chases him over.

He's able to put some pressure on it, and can even "make muffins" without any apparent pain, which is why I haven't rushed him to the vet. If it were an obvious emergency or serious injury, the work schedule would be irrelevant, and we'd already have been to the vet. BUT, I really don't think it's too serious... however, it's been going on for about 3 days now, and doesn't seem to be improving at all. I examined the paw myself (it's the front right one, if that matters), but don't see anything visually - though he's a Persian, so it's hard to see through all the fur! He did pull away & yowl at me for touching it, but he always does that when I touch his paws.

So here's my question... does this sound like anything serious, where I should get him to the vet asap? I have an appointment for my dog next Monday, so I could ask them to see him at that time. Or should I get him in earlier?? Obviously my kitty is more important than work hours, so it can be squeezed in if necessary - even if it means going to the after-hours clinic. I've just made the mistake of being overprotective before, and paying $300 for them to do nothing.... know what I mean? Anyway, sorry about the long essay, and thanks in advance for any advice.

irishmom · 07-09-2007, 06:25 PM

I know if it were a dog I would suggest baby aspirin for a few days to see if it resolves on it's own...but I don't do cat meds, sorry.

However, if he's getting around fine with no signs of discomfort or injury (other than the slight limp) then I would just keep him inside until you get him to the vet on Monday if it's not better by then (or hopefully not worse by then which of course would make your decision much easier). Hope he's better soon!

clawson26 · 07-09-2007, 07:28 PM

I would keep him confined inside so he doesn't hurt it worse. If he is eating, drinking, peeping, and making muffins it could wait a day or so to see if he gets better. But I would but him inside where he won't jump around too much and you can watch him. Hope he gets better!

vetegnc · 07-09-2007, 07:39 PM

Eh - I'd bring him in (maybe drop him off for a day?)...

The most common reason a cat limps (and this may or may not be the reason) is an abscess...which by Monday could be systemic and make him really sick.

And never give a kitty meds without asking your vet first!

brokencrayola · 07-09-2007, 07:46 PM

First look over the paw and make sure there are no sore or absesses. I would maybe confine him to a very small room or better yet a carrier and give it a chance to rest. If he is still limping you should bring him in. Years ago I had a Himalayan kitten that simply jumped off the arm of the lounge chair (maybe 2 feet high is all) and immediately began limping. Turned out it had broken a bone in his leg and was in a tiny cast 6 weeks. I guess cats are not always as agile as we think!

gizmo980 · 07-09-2007, 11:54 PM

Thank you all for the good advice, and I'll take everything into consideration... I tried to inspect the paw again, but like I said, it's hard to see through his fur! I didn't notice anything obvious, though, and he wasn't any more annoyed than usual when I touched his paw. He's still limping noticeably, so I'll probably just call the vet tomorrow - and if they think an immediate visit is in order, I'll make it work somehow. Otherwise, I'll just wait until my dog's appointment on Monday... speaking of pain, I threw out MY back today, so a chiropractor trip also needs to happen now.

Anyway, thanks again & I'll let you know what happens!

P.S. The hardest part will be keeping him inside & "calm"... he uses the pet-door to go outside, which my dog needs for potty breaks while I'm at work. But I think he stays inside & sleeps most of the day, so I'll just have to keep him in during the night.

Erin1264 · 07-10-2007, 09:20 AM

My kitty also was limping a few months ago, but then it stopped, then returned! We decided to take him to the vet the second time and they x-rayed his foot. Turns out he had a dislocated toe (how that happened, no clue!) He's an indoor-only kitty.

The vet said they could treat it or just leave it. We decided to just leave it. His toes were (and still are) visibly crooked and one of his claws was sticking up further than the rest.

It's probably a good idea to have him seen to make sure there is no infection going on in there.

Good luck!

gizmo980 · 07-11-2007, 12:43 AM

Update: Cyrus' limping has improved greatly in the last day, so hopefully he's on the mend! I might take him to the vet on Monday, just as a precaution, but I think it was probably nothing serious. Thanks again for the advice, everyone...

stephamo · 03-27-2011, 01:28 PM

Hi Erin1264, I see this is an old forum, but do you remember how the vet wanted to treat your cat's dislocated toe?

My Banjo had an accident last night and I'm pretty certain he has a dislocated toe.

catsmom21 · 03-27-2011, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stephamo

Hi Erin1264, I see this is an old forum, but do you remember how the vet wanted to treat your cat's dislocated toe?

My Banjo had an accident last night and I'm pretty certain he has a dislocated toe.

Hello and welcome to the forum. Please take your cat to the vet. No one here can tell you how to treat a dislocated toe, or even if that is indeed what is wrong.

Cats instinctively hide pain, so if your cat is actually showing pain, then he is in agony, in too much pain to even hide it. Please, get him seen.