Expert: Jessica - 7/14/2010

Question
QUESTION: My 3-4 months old kitten's right hind leg became limp one day ago after receiving an injection from the vet for acute enteritis.She is having diarrhoea since the last 4-5 days.Though her diarhoea has decreased post ofloxacin and ornidazole combination,but her limb continues to limp.The Vet has prescribed b-complex and some ayurvedic massage oil.What do you think,that can be done for her limb?She seems to have a footdrop.

ANSWER: Hi Doctor P,

Your vet seems to have a pretty good handle on things.  The B vitamins, namely B-12, may help with nerve healing if there is any chance to mend the damage.  The only other suggestion I would have is that you talk to the vet about giving the kitten an anti-inflammatory.  Sometimes inflammation of the nerves is the true problem, not nerve damage.  If this is the case, the kitten may respond to a medication such as meloxicam, if this is available in your area.  It comes in both injectable and oral formulations.  There are also steroidal medications like prednisolone that could be given to reduce inflammation, but this can be unwise for a kitten who's suffering an infection.

Aside from medications, plenty of rest and some time to let the leg heal will most often result in a lot of improvement.

Good luck to you and your kitten!

Jessica



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: THANX JESSICA!
What should be the dose of meloxicam[oral tablets] for this kitten?can lornoxicam be used?Should i apply a splint or a crepe bandage over her leg?

Answer
I wouldn't bandage up the leg or apply a splint, because the extra pressure may cause more harm than good.  But if the kitten can be kept in a cage or small room to limit her activity for most of the time for the next couple weeks, this would be ideal.  

Lornoxicam shouldn't be used in cats.  Meloxicam is used at a dosage of .05 mg per pound, once a day, as needed.  If the kitten is at an average weight for kittens of this age, of about 4 pounds, then the kitten would only need .2 mg.  Because the smallest tablets are 7.5mg, this tends to be a problem.  If you are able to buy or have an oral suspension made, properly dosing the kitten will be much easier.