What's wrong with my kitty?

[Kater]

I really think he has a dislocated hip or perhaps broken bone. Why don't they x-ray it? Also, how is a dislocated hip diagnosed and treated?

Any ideas or suggestions appreciated, I don't think hypothyroid would cause him to limp and favor one side.

...you'd think they'd focus more on the obvious symptoms he presents with, his back leg is obviously comprimised somehow, how could that be hypothyroid?

The veterinarians might not x-ray because they feel other things are more likely. However, an outdoor cat can experience trauma that the owner is unaware of, so I'm not sure I'd be quick to dismiss some sort of bodily trauma. A dislocated hip is usually diagnosed with palpation and radiographs. In cats it is commonly treated with a surgical procedure called a femoral head osteotomy. My dog actually had this procedure on his left hip. Cats generally do very well with this surgery and recover function nicely.

Did they palpate the leg and asses whether he had pain? I saw you wrote that they described 'muscle weakness', but never 'pain' and so this would not generally match a broken bone or dislocated hip.

Cats are likely to have HYPERthyroidism. It is very unlikely that they were looking for hypothyroid (common in dogs). Hyperthyroidism could cause the weight loss (despite normal eating habits) and restlessness/agitation/vocalization/aggressiveness ("yowling"). In addition you might also see goiter, unkept haircoat, increased urination, increased thirst, increased heart rate or vomiting/diarrhea. It is seen more commonly in older cats.

Hypothyroid could definitely cause the signs you are seeing. It can cause muscle weakness (myopathy) or limb paralysis/weakness. Thyroxin is an very important hormone in the body and has many functions. However, I don't think hypothyroidism has ever been seen in cats.

FeLV (feline leukemia virus) testing was probably pushed because you would want to rule it out early. You would be very upset to do lots of other (expensive) testing only to later find out your cat has an incurable virus. This virus can cause increased incidence of infectious diseases, bone marrow disorders and even cancer. These sequealae can sometimes cause signs like pain or paralysis.

I was wondering if you knew more about the stage of the renal disease? Usually it can't be detected until it is already pretty bad (unless they used a particular test for early detection). Were they interested in treating it at this point?

I know the weakness and circling are the most obvious symptoms to you, but often the most obvious symptoms aren't always the most telling. These types of signs could be due to a wide variety of things that are not directly related to the musculoskeletal or nervous system.

I'm a bit confused as to whether you've seen your regular vet after the ER visit. If not, then ignore what I am about to write. However, if you honestly think your regular vet is doing a poor job, then you should probably get a recommendation and try another. It is true that a lot of vets are not particularity comfortable with working up neurological problems (they can be difficult/complicated), so it might be worth looking for someone with a proven track record in that area. However, you are right that in the case of a neurologic diagnosis there are generally few treatment options.

I hope I've made sense and provided useful information. The more I learn about medicine, the more I realize that it is very very complex. Please keep us updated and let me know if you have any questions for me.

Hugs to your kitty!

[momofive]

We did take him back to his regular vet after the ER visit, he went back twice. The vet took a thyroid test, went back the next day (yesterday) said it was high, prescribed medication, come back in two weeks. I protested that his symptoms indicated something other than thyroid, he checked his hind legs, no dislocation or fractures, but didn't do x-ray (he doesn't express pain upon exam).

But he's crippled! Its painful to watch. He can stand only with difficulty, walks 4-5 steps, circles, then flops. How could that be due to thyroid? the vet says its weak muscles due to hyperthyroid, but it would be more uniform, not particularly in one leg.

I feel we're being brushed off. Bernard doesn't appear to be in any pain or other distress, walking a little more today but no real improvement. I will definitely seek another opinion if there's not a marked improvement by tomorrow, this just isn't sitting right with me.

[Medusa]

I'm a big one for trusting your instincts and I'm w/you, it isn't sitting right w/me either. Definitely seek a second and/or third opinion. It may very well be what s/he said but s/he should strive to put your mind at ease about your beloved furbaby. If you feel that you're being given the brushoff, then waste no more time w/this vet. S/he works for you and not the other way around. Good luck. I hope your kitty gets some relief soon, poor baby.

[momofive]

Benard is acting somewhat better today, but no real recovery. I've found a speciality referral clinic in town, will take him there Monday if no real improvement. why wait that long? Can't get an appointment until then, in the meantime, there's the good old ER!

But some great news! We do have insurance on Benard! We carried VPI for about 2 years, then decided to cancel it as part of our budget cutbacks. Well, apparently it was a clerical error, but he still has insurance. yes, I know, it doesn't pay the whole bill, our experience has been dissappointing in the past with what VPI actually pays, but its better than footing the whole bill.

Its sad when medical decisions are based in part on finances, but that's the reality of life. But its a balancing act, we would never let Benard suffer and would always seek the best care possible for the circumstances. Sometimes, its truly not a matter of money, anyways. We had a cat with cancer, spent about $6000 trying to save her, in the end the cancer got her, we had her PTS, I really think we went too far trying to treat her, she suffered too much. Our finances were different then, too. But it all comes down to a quality of life. I'd much rather take care of my pets than buy myself some useless luxury, anyways.

Benard acts somewhat better today. He does walk all over the house, but with difficulty. He continues to walk and flop, at times supports himself along the wall. Its heartbreaking to watch him struggle to his litter box, he's determined to use "his" box, not the convenient, shallow pan we've provided for him in the bathroom. He still has his pride and dignity. I stayed up with him all night last night, just kept him in my office with food, water, litter, he still insists on going to his familiar food, water and litterplaces. Its pitiful to watch him struggle, we keep trying to make it easy for him, but he's got his dignity.

Whatever this is, it isn't thyroid. A friend of mine has hyperthyroid, and she doesn't walk like that!

[Moesha]

That's good news to know that you have some assistance in paying for Benard's expenses. It's also good to hear that he does seem to be improving. I hope that he keeps doing that and that eventually you will be able to get a definite diagnosis. Thanks for keeping us posted. Have we seen a picture of your dear kitty yet? *hint*

[momofive]

That's good news to know that you have some assistance in paying for Benard's expenses. It's also good to hear that he does seem to be improving. I hope that he keeps doing that and that eventually you will be able to get a definite diagnosis. Thanks for keeping us posted. Have we seen a picture of your dear kitty yet? *hint*

I will post a pic of dc tomorrow, when the resident computer genius (my 12-year old son) can help me figure it out!

[momofive]

Well, Bernard is doing much better! He's walking around the house, not supporting himself against the wall, seems to have more energy, perhaps the vet was on the right track after all. He still has weakness in his hind quarters, especially his left hind leg, but its improving. His appetite is good, he grooms and uses the litter.

It just tears me in two to see such a proud old kitty decline. He struggles to maintain his dignity. He was so weak a few days ago we just laid him on a towel in case he had an accident but he refused to do so, struggled to the litter box instead. My sweet baby! Last night as we ate dinner I looked down and he was at his usual spot, begging for a table scrap! Funny, he always wants a scrap of whatever we're eating, but then just sniffs and walks away, rarely eats the table scrap, just wants to see what we're having.

But like I said, he is making stead forward progress and I think he will recover. We go back in about a week for follow-up tests.

Vet bills are running high, but fortunately we do have pet insurance. We submitted the claims, don't know what they will reimburse, but at least we have that.I highly urge any pet lover to get pet insurance to protect against such a scenario--a precious pet is sick and the bills are more than you can afford.

[lvpets2002]

Well I am so Glad your Baby Benard is doing so much better.. So maybe the Vet was on the right track.. Some times we wonder dont we.. Get Well Soon Baby Benard..

[momofive]

Here's a picture of Benard!

[allmycats]

glad to hear he's doing better! I know it's hard to see them sick... where is the picture?

[momofive]

Ummm...................can't get the pic to load, will try again

He's continuing to do better, walking around the house, doesn't appear to be in pain, still weak, but on the up hill.