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Question
Hello Norman,
On a few occasions over the last 6-8 months my cat (11yr old female rag doll) has presented some rather odd symptoms. They are in fact nearly identical to the posts made on this website on the two links below;
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Cats-1606/Muscle-Cramps.htm
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Cats-1606/feline-rear-leg-cramp-1.htm
The last occurence was approx 2 wks ago and the first one was approx 6-8 months ago.
I took her to the vets after the last occurence and she underwent bloods, an ECG and X-rays, all of which were normal leaving the vet pretty much clutching at straws.
The possibility of mild epilepsy or perhaps a brain tumor was suggested although the later seems unlikely given that her behaviour is otherwise normal and shows none of the obvious signs.
The epilepsy seems possible but the so-called "fits" do not appear to be the same as described on the various websites I have viewed.
Having been asked a similar question previously I hope that you may be able to shed some light!
Many thanks in advance.
Amy,
Remember, I am not a vet, but given the occurrences are fairly infrequent, I would look at getting a second opinion, from, say, a veterinary college. I looked at both links and have never had such occurrences in my own cats. With a very challenging case, some of the vet schools may be willing to treat for free for the research and learning experiences.
To me it is much more likely that your cat may have been getting into something that is gone from her system by the time you got her to your vet.
Another possibility is to get onto the Feline Fanciers Health list, send an e-mail to:
fanciershealth-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
This list is monitored by some pretty savvy feline vets who may be able to help you much more than I can.
I am sorry I cannot be of more help than this and would be interested if you found out anything further.
Best regards... Norm.
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Answers by Expert:
Norman Auspitz
Expertise
I can answer most non-veterinary questions about cats. My particular expertise is pedigree cats, breeding and showing. However, I am versed in feline behavior, cat breeds and their characteristics, general feline husbandry, and the like.
Experience
I judged for the Canadian Cat Association from 1975 until 1982. I am currently an approved allbreed judge for the Cat Fanciers'' Association (the world''s largets cat registry), and have been judging for them since 1991. I have been breeding pedigreed cats since 1971 and have been exhibiting pedigreed cats in shows since 1970. I obtained my first pedigreed cat in 1970 and have never looked back. In 1971, I obtained my first Abyssinian which has become my primary breed. In addition, I have bred Manx and Persians. Currently, besides the Abyssinians, I am also breeding Maine Coons.
Organizations
Cat Fanciers'' Association, inc. (CFA) and the Manx, Maine Coon, and Abyssinian breed councils. I am currently Abyssinian breed council secretary.
Publications
Cat Fancy Magazine, The Abyssinian Chapter in The Cat Fanciers'' Association Complete Cat Book, and Articles for various editions of The Cat Fanciers'' Association Yearbook
Education/Credentials
I received a B.S. from Drexel University in 1968, a M.Math from University of Waterloo, in 1970, a Ph.D. from University of Waterloo in 1975, and a MBA from McMaster University in 1980. I received my approved allbreed judging status in the Cat Fanciers'' Association in 1999.
Awards and Honors
We have produced a number of Cat Fanciers'' Association (CFA) National winning Abyssinian and Maine Coons. We have produced a number of Abyssinian and Maine Coon Distinguished Merit females (an award for a top producing cat), including the first Distinguished Merit Abyssinian in the red (sorrel) color. I am the CFA Abyssinian breed council secretary and belong and/or hold office in a number of cat clubs. I am also a member of the CFA Judges Association.
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