Expert: Jessica - 11/6/2010

Question
My 13 year old female cat cannot seem to get in her box properly as her right hind leg seems very weak. It seems to go from under her, especially on slippy surfaces like cat litter and vinyl type flooring (we have put down carpeting on our laminate flooring to help her walk). Could she be diabetic? I can touch the leg and put pressure on it and it does not effect her at all so I know it is not broken.

Hope you can help. I am reluctant to take her the vets as every time I have taken an animal to a vet they have always been put to sleep and this is my late mothers cat which makes me fear that even more.

Colin

Answer
Hi Colin,

She could be diabetic.  Keep a journal to see if she exhibits any excessive thirst, hunger, urination, or has lost any weight.  She might also have some limited range of motion due to arthritis in her joints, as well.  There could be a small chance of a blood clot causing some trouble in her leg, but this almost always affects both legs and is extremely painful, so I strongly doubt this is the problem.

I would urge a vet visit.  Although I'm not a vet and couldn't make you any guarantees, it doesn't sound to me like anything to get too worried about just yet.  However, if she is diabetic and it is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including organ failure.  Treated, diabetic cats can lead a healthy, normal life-span.  If she has arthritis, she can receive a cat-safe NSAID, such as Metacam, to relieve pain, as well as a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement, like Cosequin for cats, to help repair and prevent damage.  Even if a blood clot is to blame, the prognosis is pretty good for cats who survive the first couple of days, provided you are able to give her the extended care she would need (which may require a hospital stay and daily medications).

Best of luck!

Jessica