11/10/2023 0 Comments Fat cat stands on two feet![]() ![]() Treatment for the collapse of the back legs is very variable, depending on the cause.Īlways discuss what would be best for your cat with your veterinarian, as treatment options will vary depending on the cause. due to hip dysplasia), can lead to lameness, weakness and collapse of the hind end of the cat. Old Age ChangesĬonditions in older cats, including osteoarthritis (e.g. sprains of muscles and tendons), as well as the bones. Traumaĭamage to the physical structure of the back legs, from the feet up to the pelvis, can cause collapse. Sometimes more generalized diseases, such as feline infectious peritonitis, may also cause the back legs to collapse. Older cats may be more prone to these types of issues. Other metabolic diseases (such as kidney disease) can cause general weakness which can present as rear leg problems. Metabolic Diseasesįeline diabetes mellitus, can cause unusual signs (such as a neuropathy causing a plantigrade stance of the hind legs) which may present as the collapse of the back legs. Heart disease such as cardiomyopathy can predispose to this issue. thromboembolism affecting blood vessels such as the aorta, known as a saddle thrombus) can disrupt the blood flow to the back legs, causing severe weakness and collapse. Vascular Diseaseĭiseases involving the blood supply, such as clots (e.g. Rarely, some diseases affecting the central nervous system (brain) may be involved. ![]() Spinal DiseaseĪny damage to the spine, from trauma to slipped discs to tumors, can stop the normal functioning of the spinal cord providing the nerve supply to the back legs, leading to weakness and collapse. Quadriplegia: paralysis of all four limbs.Quadriparesis: weakness of all four limbs.Paraplegia: complete paralysis of both hind legs.Paraparesis: weakness of both hind legs.There are some different medical terms for the types of collapse. What Causes the Back Legs to Collapse?Īny condition which disrupts the muscle or nerve function, or the blood supply, of the back legs can cause them to collapse. The issue may start with the cat just limping, then progress to more serious signs with difficulty walking. This causes the cat’s hindquarters to flop down, either being carried lower than normal, or even collapsing completely, so that they are being dragged behind the cat. These muscles, blood supply and nerves can stop functioning normally for a number of different reasons, and when this happens, the back legs can become weaker, unable to support the cat’s weight properly. The function of the back legs is supported by a combination of strong muscles, with a rich blood supply, and an intricate nerve supply. There are a number of conditions that can affect the back legs, causing lameness, weakness, lack of stability, poor balance, and even complete collapse.Ĭats have powerful back legs, used to help a cat prowl, run, climb and jump as part of their normal activities, such as hunting. All cats should be able to walk, run and even jump easily, with strong, well-balanced back legs. ![]()
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