Ask the Veterinarian/Cat cant walk

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Expert: - 10/16/2011


Question
My cat is old and has been walking very slow and falling over sometimes, but the other day she jumped off the couch and fell over and since her back legs are dragging when she walks and she falls over. She is not eating only drinking water, using bathroom little.  We have plans to put her to sleep because she looks miserable and i believe she is in pain this is very hard to do but we don't have the money for the vet visit and other fees to run tests could you give us your opinion.

Answer
Hi Lisa,
I am really sorry to hear about your kitty. She really sounds like she is in pain and that this might be the time she needs you to step up and help her end her suffering.

I really don't see any point in putting her through a lot of tests but you might be sorry later if you didn't at least have the vet give her an exam. It sounds like he would confirm the fact that it is indeed time.

No matter what he tells you, it's your right and choice to say no to extensive tests that you cannot afford. In the end, they will probably, or maybe, tell you what is wrong but it might not be something that is curable anyway.

You have to remember that a cat 15 or so years of age is like a human that is over 88 years old. That generally is very old for anyone.

So instead of torturing yourself and her, make the decision to ease her pain. Take her into the vets tomorrow and be there with her as she crosses over.

She will be comforted by you and you will have some closure on the experience.
Then you can honor her with a memorial or however you feel is appropriate.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

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!

Experience

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.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
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!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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