I'm freaking out, and I don't know what to think. My sweet cat, Oliver, has suddenly lost the use of his back legs. He was just lounging on the couch with me last night, and then this morning, he couldn't walk properly. When he tries to move, his back end just kind of drags behind him, and he's looking at me with those big, confused eyes. I’ve already called the vet, but they can’t see him until tomorrow morning, and I’m just a mess, filled with worry and anxiety. I can tell he's scared, and I feel so helpless watching him struggle and not knowing how to help him. Has anyone else experienced something similar with their fur babies? What was the diagnosis, and is there hope for recovery? I'm desperate to understand what might be happening. Any advice or experiences would really help ease this rollercoaster of worry. Thank you in advance.
Thanks for your question. I'm really sorry to hear about your cat's situation. Sudden hind leg paralysis in cats can be alarming and might be caused by a few different issues. One common cause is a condition called aortic thromboembolism (ATE), where a blood clot blocks blood flow to the back legs. It can be linked to heart disease. Injuries, like spinal trauma, or severe infections can also lead to sudden paralysis.
At home, make sure your cat is in a comfortable environment, free of obstacles. Keep them rested and warm to reduce stress. Offer water and food close by, but avoid forcing anything if they seem uncomfortable or in pain.
Watch out for signs of severe distress such as loud vocalizations, difficulty breathing, or if your cat isn't eating, drinking, or urinating. These might point to a more serious problem requiring immediate attention.
It's important to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible to determine the exact cause and appropriate treatment. Getting a prompt diagnosis can significantly affect your cat's recovery and comfort. I recommend booking a video consult with one of our vets here on Dial A Vet, so we can discuss next steps and explore available treatment options.
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