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Expert: - 5/31/2010


Question
My 12(ish) year old domestic calico cat is doing this odd thing with her back legs and tail. Her tail whips back and forth, stiff and twitching, and at the same time she pulls her back legs up one at a time, looks like marching in place. Seems involuntary, sort of like a spasm. Since this morning she has been doing it almost constantly when standing or walking.  

She is an indoor cat, had vaccinations up until a few years ago when she developed kidney problems, creatinine is just above normal. Sed rate is low, drinks and pees a lot. Had radiation for hyperthyroidism about a year ago.  Picky eater, always been very underweight. Had normal check up and full labs about 3 months ago.  Last BM today, looked normal, maybe slightly wider than usual.

In the past she has done this occasionally, as well as almost everytime when I am brushing her near her hind quarters.  But never nonstop for 8+ hours like this and for no apparent reason.  Should I be worried about this?

Answer
Sounds like she is having some nerve irritation on her lower back area. Some cats get a 'neuritis" in that area and it is very painful. The symptoms are the tail twitching, back twitching and some kicking but that is less common.

Most vets don't seem to understand this neuritis when I tell them about it so you have to just tell yours that you think that is what she has. It's hard to say what causes this as no one knows but the kidney problems could start it.

It is generally nerve related but if the kidneys are having some issues it could be radiated pain. I am not a vet so I can only give you suggestions as to what it possibly be.

I would certainly have your vet look her over or at least call him on Tuesday and discuss this with the technician or the vet.

This is something I wouldn't let go at her age. I hope that she is well soon.

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

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PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

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I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

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Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

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Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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