Sudden Back Leg Weakness in Old Cats: 3 Common Causes
A veterinarian discusses three categories of causes of sudden hind leg weakness in a senior aged cat.
If your old cat has experienced sudden-onset weakness in its hind legs, there can be a serious medical cause for this.
Trauma As a Cause of Sudden Rear Limb Weakness in an Old Cat
Being hit by a car, falling from a height, or being accidentally struck or stepped upon can cause a senior cat’s back legs to suddenly become weak, says Dr. Jules Benson, BVSc, chief veterinary officer with NationwideDVM, a pet insurer company.
“With appropriate veterinary treatment, sometimes full control can be returned, but the first 24 hours are critical,” says Dr. Benson.
If you suspect trauma, get your cat medical attention as soon as possible.
Saddle Thrombus Can Cause Sudden Back Leg Weakness in Older Cats
A thrombus is a blood clot, which can be common in cats with heart disease.
Dr. Benson explains, “A blood clot dislodges from somewhere in the body, then lodges at the pelvic end of the aorta where the blood vessels split to go down the legs (an area known as the saddle), resulting in lack of blood flow to the legs.”
The aorta is the largest blood vessel and begins at the heart, distributing blood throughout the body with each heartbeat.
The condition is called feline aortic thromboembolism, and it’s very painful with an often poor prognosis.
“Treatment is aimed at dissolving the clot and controlling pain,” says Dr. Benson.
“Cats with cardiac disease are usually prescribed an anti-clotting agent to reduce the chances of an embolism like this occurring.”
Infection May Cause Sudden Hind Leg Weakness in an Old Cat
Infectious disease can arise from a number of sources that affect the brain, including tick-borne diseases, Cryptococcus, feline infectious peritonitis and taxoplasmosis.
As you can see, cancer is not on the list of sudden rear leg weakness in an older cat.
However, this list is not complete; it represents only the more common causes.
“As with many conditions, the prognosis improves the earlier it is detected, so bring your cat to the vet at the very first sign of any hind limb weakness,” says Dr. Benson.
Dr. Benson is regularly consulted by many media outlets including ABC, NBC, FOX, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times to provide pet health advice to pet parents nationwide.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
Top image: Shutterstock/New Africa
How to Remove White German Shepherd Hair from Furniture
Anybody who’s ever had a white German shepherd (such as me) knows that these magnificent dogs shed quite a bit, and unless you keep up with this, there will be “hairs everywhere.”
Here are some ways to remove the hairs of a white German shepherd (they shed more than other breeds of GS) from your furniture.
Lint Roller
Always have these on hand. You can get them at discount bulk rates at Costco and Sam’s Club.
Just swipe the roller back and forth on your furniture.
For portions of furniture that sink down, that the roller misses when it rolls over, tear a fresh sheet from the tool and stuff it into the sunken area, scrunching it in there so that it makes contact and picks up the hairs.
Fabric Lint Brush
This tool will pick up white German shepherd hair when swiped in one direction, and then will deposit the hairs on the fabric portion of the tool.
The caveat is that you must then pluck off the clumps of hairs.
The plus is that there is no sticky, sometimes stubborn-to-tear-off sheets to deal with. These brushes are not disposable.
Rubber Brush
These come in different styles and shapes, and they do a good job at collecting the hairs of a white German shepherd that have found their way to your furniture.
This tool does not literally remove the fur, but it collects it into gobs that you can then remove with your hands.
Another way to remove hairs of a white German shepherd is to use a hand vacuum.
This works well in the corners of furniture where the seat cushion meets the back support.
Using specialized nozzle attachments will work in the areas that scrunched-up lint paper cannot effectively get to.
The key to keeping up with the shedding of a white German shepherd is to avoid skipping cleanup times.
To reduce the amount of shedding, you should brush your dog 2-3 times a day outside, and give the dog a bath once every few weeks.
A bath this often will not “ruin a dog’s coat.” The bath can be administered by simply sponging the white German shepherd with a sponge soaked in hypo-allergenic suds.
Then pour warm water from a bucket over the dog (several bucketfulls), at very close range so that it’s soothing.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
Top 5 Injuries BIG Dogs Get When Exercised Too Much
A veterinarian explains the most common injuries and problems that may affect a large dog when it’s exercised too much.
A large dog is prone to certain injuries or problems if he’s given too much exercise, such as being leashed to run alongside a bicycle over long distances.
Top 5 Injuries or Problems that Can Affect Large Dogs from too much Exercise
#1 Cruciate ligament tears: A tear of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is the most common orthopedic injury to large as well as medium size dogs, begins Dr. Jules Benson, BVSc, chief veterinary officer with NationwideDVM, a pet insurer company.
The CCL is analogous to our ACL in the knee.
A twisting or jarring motion is often necessary to tear or rupture the CCL. However, some large dogs are more vulnerable to this injury due to genetics, obesity or age.
Here is what Dr. Benson explains: “Most dogs require surgical correction to get back on all four paws, and many benefit from pre- and/or post-surgical physical rehabilitation, just like humans!
A 2005 study estimated that Americans spent over $1.3 billion on canine CCL repairs in 2003.”
#2 Next is lameness. There may be no visible reasons for this, notes Dr. Benson. An X-ray may be done to detect any broken bones.
If the X-ray is normal, a vet will likely advise a limitation on movement, certainly exercise, and maybe give a course of pain relieving medication.
#3 The third problem that can affect large dogs are exercised too much is broken nails. “Broken nails are not uncommon in athletic dogs and can occur on soft ground or hard surfaces,” says Dr. Benson.
Your vet may have to remove the end of a broken nail. The biggest risk from this is infection of the exposed soft tissue inside the nail, says Dr. Benson.
He further explains: “Since licking and chewing at the nail plays a major part in this, dogs with broken nails will often need to wear an Elizabethan collar (‘cone of shame’), and the nail will need to be kept clean.
“Keeping nails trimmed helps to avoid this issue, but dogs with recurrent broken nails may have underlying problems that your veterinarian can help diagnose and treat.”
#4 Lacerations and cuts are also more likely to occur the more a large breed (or any size) dog exercises outside.
One day I saw a man walking his large dog across the parking lot that led to a mountain trail head.
The dog was prancing with each step because on all four feet were special “booties” to protect paws from insults from the gravelly trail.
These can help, since too much wear and tear on paws can lead to cuts, abrasions or irritation, especially in cold weather, adds Dr. Benson.
#5 Heat stroke: “Over-exertion can lead to hyperthermia, or heat stroke, which can be life-threatening,” says Dr. Benson.
“A dog’s normal temperature usually peaks at around 102.5oF, but when it rises to 105-110oF, this can lead to coma, organ dysfunction and even permanent brain damage or death.”
Watch out for the warning signs which can be subtle, such as a drunken-like gait, restlessness, excessive panting or drooling.
Large dogs (and small) need structured exercise, but too much of a good thing can cause injuries or other problems.
Dr. Benson is regularly consulted by many media outlets including ABC, NBC, FOX, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times to provide pet health advice to pet parents nationwide.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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Source: avmajournals.avma.org/doi/abs/10.2460/javma.2005.227.1604)
Cat Poop Guide: Color, Consistency, Shape, Contents
Here is a complete guide to cat stools from a veterinarian: what different shapes, colors, consistency and other features might mean.
It’s very important that you get comfortable with the idea of inspecting your cat’s poops on a recurring basis, because the caliber of a cat’s stools can be indicative of any number of medical conditions including cancer.
Cat Poop Color
“I get less concerned with stool color than I do with consistency and contents,” says Dr. Jules Benson, BVSc, chief veterinary officer with NationwideDVM, a pet insurer company.
He says that color is often related to diet. A healthy cat stool should range from very light brown to almost black.
Cat Poop Consistency, Shape and Additional Features
Dr. Benson urges cat owners to keep a lookout for the following in their pet’s poops:
Consistency: Very soft stools (diarrhea) can be caused by many disease processes, and if this is a consistent finding in the litter box (or elsewhere!), or if your cat seems “off” and there is diarrhea, you should consult your veterinarian, explains Dr. Benson.
Very hard stools, such as small, hard balls rather than long, formed stools, can be “a more insidious marker of disease,” he says.
If your cat’s stools are hard, this can indicate any of the following: Underlying dehydration, kidney disease, diabetes, overactive thyroid, some forms of cancer and other conditions.
“Hard stools can also lead to constipation or GI blockage,” says Dr. Benson.
More Features of Cat Poops
“Blood, mucus, parasites and foreign materials can all also indicate changes or problems,” says Dr. Benson.
Blood: If you see fresh blood in the stools, this usually means an abrasion of the colon, often caused by colitis.
This can be a primary disease process, or secondary to other conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, explains Dr. Benson.
That’s not all. Fresh blood in the stools can mean there’s bleeding in the lower intestinal/rectal region, possibly from cancer. However, colitis is by far more likely.
Mucus: This gooey substance in a cat’s poop usually indicates colitis.
Parasites: Yes, it’s possible for the owner to see segments of tapeworm, the size of rice, in the poops of outdoor cats.
Dr. Benson urges you and your vet develop a regular deworming schedule.
“Every annual exam, make sure you bring in a stool sample to be examined by your vet, even for indoor cats.”
Foreign materials: Cats are capable of ingesting non-food items, such as grass, string, stones and even Christmas decorations, says Dr. Benson.
This cat poop guide won’t do you much good unless you commit to getting used to viewing your pet’s feces on a regular basis, and then following up with your vet if you see anything concerning.
Dr. Benson is regularly consulted by many media outlets including ABC, NBC, FOX, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times to provide pet health advice to pet parents nationwide.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
Cat Keeps Licking Mouth: Sign of Cancer?
Believe it or not, something as seemingly innocuous as mouth licking can be a sign of cancer in a cat, says a veterinarian.
Your cat has been licking its mouth a lot lately, and at first, you thought this was just part of your pet’s meticulous grooming, but you now are wondering if this could be a sign of cancer.
Most Common Cause of Excessive Mouth Licking in a Cat
Without a doubt, the most common explanation for why a cat frequently licks its mouth is dental disease, says Dr. Jules Benson, BVSc, chief veterinary officer with NationwideDVM, a pet insurer company.
“Red, swollen gums, bad breath, difficulty eating and frequent licking can all be signs of gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontal disease (inflammation of the structures supporting the teeth, including gums, bones and nerves),” explains Dr. Benson.
How can you help prevent such a problem? Make sure you take your cat to see the vet on a regular basis, advises Dr. Benson.
This should include dental check-ups and at-home dental care to help reduce the chances of any kind of periodontal disease developing.
Cancer
Now, if your cat shows one, a few or all of these symptoms, don’t assume it’s probably dental disease, because these same clinical signs — including mouth licking — could mean cancer, says Dr. Benson.
“By far the most common oral tumor in cats is squamous cell carcinoma,” he says.
According to Veterinarypartner.com, this cancer usually affects older cats, with the average age of diagnosis being 12.5 years.
The website lists the following as risk factors: sun exposure, use of flea collars, persistent consumption of canned food, and, believe it or not, smoking on the part of the owner.
In fact, if the owner smokes one to 19 cigarettes a day, the risk jumps up four times.
“Early recognition is the key to maximizing the chances for successful treatment, though the prognosis is always guarded in these cases because the cancer often spreads very quickly,” says Dr. Benson.
This cancer is treatable only when caught early.
Don’t wait till your cat is constantly licking its mouth to get comfortable examining its mouth on a routine basis or to look into protecting your cat with pet insurance policy that covers cancers as standard, advises Dr. Benson.
Dr. Benson is regularly consulted by many media outlets including ABC, NBC, FOX, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times to provide pet health advice to pet parents nationwide.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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Source: veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?A=2722&S=2
Can Diarrhea in a Cat Be Caused by Cancer?
Diarrhea in a cat can have many causes, and a veterinarian warns that cancer can actually be a possible cause.
Has your cat been experiencing diarrhea lately and you’re beginning to wonder if this could be a symptom of cancer?
Causes of Diarrhea in a Cat Include Cancer
“Yes, diarrhea can be a clinical sign of cancer, particularly gastrointestinal (GI) lymphoma,” says Dr. Jules Benson, BVSc, chief veterinary officer with NationwideDVM, a pet insurer company.
This cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in U.S. cats, and in fact, comprises 20 percent of all cancers in U.S. cats. The risk spikes once a cat reaches the age of 7 years.
However, pet parents should be aware that symptoms of this cancer can mimic symptoms of benign conditions, as well.
“If there is a suspicion that cancer could be the cause [of the diarrhea], your veterinarian may have to conduct several tests to determine the root cause,” says Dr. Benson.
“Inflammatory bowel disease [another possible cause of diarrhea] and GI lymphoma (a form of cancer) often appear so similar, even at a cellular level, that full-thickness excisions from the intestinal wall are often needed to distinguish between them,” explains Dr. Benson.
Benign Causes of Diarrhea in Cats
Diarrhea is a common symptom and usually, it does not mean cancer simply because there are so many other causes.
Dr. Benson says these causes include food intolerances or allergies, internal parasites, metabolic disease or primary GI disease like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). High fiber content can also cause some diarrhea.
Dr. Benson advises: “Because diarrhea can rapidly result in dehydration, it’s important to have your cat evaluated by a veterinarian within 24 hours of first seeing signs of GI upset, or sooner if your cat appears visibly sick or lethargic.”
Treatment Expense for Cancer
“Diagnosing and treating GI disease, especially GI cancer, can be a long, difficult and expensive process, which is why many veterinarians recommend pet insurance that covers cancers as standard,” says Dr. Benson, “to help cover these unforeseen costs.”
He notes that pet insurance has to be in effect before your cat or dog starts to show any kind of GI distress, diarrhea or other symptoms, in order for coverage to be available.
It’s a wise idea to start the insurance policy while your pet is healthy.
Dr. Benson is regularly consulted by many media outlets including ABC, NBC, FOX, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times to provide pet health advice to pet parents nationwide.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
Source.: 2ndchance.info/lymphomaCat.htm
Can Cancer Cause Hair Loss on a Cat’s Ears?
Has your cat been experiencing hair loss on or near the ears, and you’re wondering if this could possibly be a sign of cancer?
It’s very important that you regularly check your kitty’s ears.
Regularly checking your cat’s ears is crucial for maintaining their health.
Recommendations of what to check for typically list redness, swelling or discharge, which can indicate infections or parasites.
But you should also check for signs of fur loss.
Can cancer cause a cat to lose hair on the ears?
“Rarely,” says Dr. Jules Benson, BVSc, chief veterinary officer with NationwideDVM, a pet insurer company.
“Hair loss on a cat’s ears can occur for a number of other reasons,” he continues.
Non-cancerous and more common causes of hair loss on a cat’s ears include:
– Parasites: Dr. Benson says that ear mites are very common, especially in young cats.
– Fungal infection: This includes ringworm, which isn’t actually a worm, but a fungus, and the ears are a common site for an outbreak.
– Over-grooming: Cats love to groom themselves. When their ears are infected with a fungus or parasite, this causes irritation, and the cat will then be inclined to paw at and scratch their ears, rubbing off the hair, says Dr. Benson.
– Skin infection: This can be a primary disease. However, a skin infection can also be a secondary condition to something such as an allergy.
– Autoimmune disease: Dr. Benson says that eosinophilic granuloma complex or vasculitis can result in not only hair loss on a cat’s ears, but crusting lesions along the ears.
“On a side note, it should be realized that many cats, especially oriental or exotic cats, can have an area in front of the ear which looks almost bald – this is called peri-auricular alopecia, and it is entirely normal for this to develop in these adult cats,” explains Dr. Benson.
Though cancer as a cause of hair loss in a cat’s ears is rare, it can happen with some types of cancer, says Dr. Benson.
However, when this is the case, it is also “more likely that ulceration or skin growths would also be more prominent,” he says.
Keep in mind, diagnosing and treating cancer can be a long, difficult and expensive process, which is why many veterinarians recommend pet insurance that covers cancers as a standard, says Dr. Benson.
He explains that pet insurance must be in effect before your pet begins displaying any clinical signs or symptoms, in order for the coverage to be available.
Thus, it’s wise to begin an insurance policy while your cat is healthy.
Dr. Benson is regularly consulted by many media outlets including ABC, NBC, FOX, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times to provide pet health advice to pet parents nationwide.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
Blood in Cat’s Anus: Can Cancer Be Cause?
If your cat’s anus has blood in or around it, there’s a chance it could be cancer, says a veterinarian.
Have you noticed what appears to be blood near, around or in your cat’s anus, and wondering if this might be a sign of cancer?
Can cancer cause blood around a cat’s anus?
“Yes, bloody stool or fresh blood around the anus could be a sign of several cancerous processes, as well as other, less sinister diseases,” says Dr. Jules Benson, BVSc, chief veterinary officer with NationwideDVM, a pet insurer company.
He continues, “Gastrointestinal lymphoma and anal gland adenocarcinoma (two different types of cancer) can both cause bloody stools.”
Gastrointestinal lymphoma is the most frequently diagnosed form of lymphoma in cats.
Anal gland adenocarcinoma is uncommon, and it can spread quickly. And unfortunately, the prognosis for this condition is usually poor.
Other Symptoms of Cancer in Cats that Can Cause Blood About the Anus
Symptoms of gastrointestinal lymphoma:
- Suppressed appetite
- Lethargy, constipation
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting and what appears to be gooey tar in the stools
- As well as fresh blood in the stools.
Symptoms of anal gland adenocarcinoma:
- A mass in the rectal area, usually small
- Constipation
- Difficulty defecating
- Suppressed appetite
- Excessive thirst and lethargy.
So if you think there is blood near your cat’s anus, do not hesitate to bring your pet in for a full examination by your veterinarian.
Can blood near or in a cat’s anus have benign causes?
Yes, says Dr. Benson. He lists the following possible benign causes: inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal parasites, trauma and over-licking (which could be caused by irritation, anxiety, diarrhea or constipation).
What will happen at the vet’s office?
“To determine the cause of the blood, your vet will examine your pet and probably recommend a basic baseline of blood work, urine and fecal analyses, with the possible addition of radiographs (X-rays), ultrasound exam, endoscopy and/or specific GI blood work,” says Dr. Benson.
All of those diagnostic tests – and the treatment that your vet recommends – can add up, which is why many veterinarians recommend pet insurance to help cover these unforeseen costs, Dr. Benson explains.
He points out that pet insurance must be in effect before your cat (or dog) begins showing symptoms, so it’s wise to start an insurance policy while your pet is healthy.
Dr. Benson is regularly consulted by many media outlets including ABC, NBC, FOX, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times to provide pet health advice to pet parents nationwide.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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Sources: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3092124/; petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_lymphoma#.UiqhcNKor20
Gradual Hind Leg Weakness in Older Cat Includes Cancer
Cancer is among several causes, says a veterinarian, of progressive rear leg weakness in an old cat.
There are basically four categories of causes for gradual weakness in the hind legs of an older cat, including cancer, says veterinarian Dr. Jules Benson, BVSc, chief veterinary officer with NationwideDVM, a pet insurer company.
He points out that “progressive” or gradual are relative terms, because cats can be skilled at concealing a disease that’s been building for a while, and by the time the owner notices it, it’s often very advanced.
Arthritis May Cause Gradual Back Leg Weakness in Old Cats
This is common in senior cats and can be detected by X-rays. The usual plan of treatment is pain control and joint supplements such as Cosequin and Adequan.
Cancer Can Cause Progressive Rear Leg Weakness in the Senior Cat
Dr. Benson notes that two forms of cancer can be responsible. The first is bone cancer (osteosarcoma).
This occurs less commonly in cats than in dogs, but it’s still something to consider.
It’s also usually more treatable than it is in dogs, because metastasis (spread) does not occur as commonly.
“Osteosarcoma tends to be very painful and can lead to fractures of affected bones,” says Dr. Benson.
Soft tissue cancers can also affect the spinal cord and brain, sometimes causing gradual weakness or loss of hind leg control, depending upon the site of the tumor.
“Radiographs can sometimes be diagnostic, though more advanced imaging techniques like CAT and MRI are often recommended,” says Dr. Benson.
Infection May Cause Progressive Back Leg Weakness in an Old Cat
“Several diseases can affect the brain, leading to hind limb weakness,” notes Dr. Benson. These include: taxoplasmosis, feline infectious peritonitis, Cryptococcus and tick-borne diseases.
“This is by no means an exhaustive list, but covers some of the more common conditions,” says Dr. Benson.
Early detection is key to more successful treatment outcomes.
Don’t delay medical attention if you even think you’ve been noticing that your older cat’s back legs have been progressively getting weaker.
Dr. Benson is regularly consulted by many media outlets including ABC, NBC, FOX, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times to provide pet health advice to pet parents nationwide.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
Can a Cat’s Tail Be Double-Jointed?
If you think your cat’s tail is double-jointed, here is what a veterinarian says about this observation.
Have you ever looked at your cat’s tail and thought, “Hmm, it has to be double-jointed — or can it be?”
“There actually are no ‘joints’ in a cat’s tail, so while they may seem very flexible, they are not technically double-jointed,” says Dr. Jules Benson, BVSc, chief veterinary officer with NationwideDVM, a pet insurer company.
Anatomy
“A cat’s tail is a continuation of her spine, containing caudal vertebrae, as well as voluntary muscle, with ligaments and tendons holding the muscles and bone together,” explains Dr. Benson.
As a result, this configuration, as Dr. Benson puts it, enables a cat’s tail to be incredibly expressive, creating the illusion that it is double-jointed.
How can you tell if the tail is broken?
It can become injured or broken from different types of trauma. For starters, pulling on it too hard (as children — and even adults — may be inclined to do) can cause injury.
An obvious cause of injury would be if the tail was accidentally slammed in a door or window. Trauma could also occur if it is run over by a car or bicycle.
“Common signs of an injured or broken tail could be the cat carrying her tail low or dragging it, and minor incontinence,” explains Dr. Benson.
An injury can easily be determined with an X-ray, says Dr. Benson. Treatment will vary and is determined by the extent of the injury.
Dr. Benson explains that in the case of a broken tail, the treatment is often amputation just above the location of the break, and “once the surgery site is healed, these cats lead normal lives with bobbed tails.”
If your cat seems to be treating her tail strangely, and you should take your pet to your veterinarian for an exam and diagnosis.
