The cat is paralyzed, what should I do?

Veterinarians often have to deal with this problem, so only they can prescribe in such a situation treatment and procedures that can help the pet feel healthy again. It is clear that situations can be different, so you should not think about either good or bad ahead of time.

Thanks to modern diagnostics, the problem can be quickly identified and classified, and then treatment can begin. The article provides introductory information that helps you understand what you have to deal with in practice.

Causes of paralysis in cats

Paralysis in cats can occur for many reasons: - Due to spinal injury; - Inflammation of the spinal cord; — Tissue necrosis; — Blood supply is disrupted; - Stroke;

- Due to thickening of the walls of the heart; — From ixodid tick bites; — Kidney failure; - Cancer;

— Poor nutrition; - Poisoning; — Elderly; - Inappropriate care.

Paralysis in cats of the limbs of the hind, lower, front and hind legs

Several types of paralysis are identified. Below are two of them relating to the limbs. Hind limb paralysis is when the hind legs are affected but the front legs remain functional. This type of paralysis occurs when a blood clot or thrombus moves through a vessel and can block the cardiac aorta. In this regard, the flow of blood to the hind legs is hampered and paralysis occurs.

Radial nerve palsy occurs when this nerve is injured, and it is responsible for the mobility of the forelimbs. A radial nerve injury is recognized by the cat limping or when it begins to drag its paw along with it. Another cause of paralysis can be a tumor formed in the area of ​​the radial nerve.

Paralysis in cats, kittens and cats: symptoms and treatment

Symptoms of paralysis include blocking the movement of limbs, difficulty breathing and swallowing food, heat intolerance, choking, voice changes, complete or partial paralysis, loss of appetite, vomiting, joint weakness, and dilated pupils. There may also be manifestations of incontinence, temperature rise or fall, fever, decreased pulse, shock, fainting, drooling, cough, pain.

Treatment can only be prescribed by a veterinarian based on the totality of symptoms. Blood supply disorders are treated with anti-inflammatory injections and anticoagulants. Surgery helps with spinal cord injuries and tumors. For paralysis, serums are given. Infections are treated with antibiotics. In the treatment of facial paralysis, massage, heating of the affected muscles, and electropuncture are used.

Facial paralysis in a cat

Facial paralysis can follow trauma, infections of the outer ear, or inner ear. The worst paralysis is idiopathic facial paralysis; it has no cure. With this type of pussy paralysis, moisturizing eye drops should be applied to the eyes.

The lesion can be either one half of the muzzle or the entire face. There are cases when at first one part of the cat’s face is paralyzed, then everything returns to normal and after a while the second part of the cat’s face becomes paralyzed. At the same time, she has an inability to blink, a dull appearance, drooling, drooping upper lip, and watery eyes. She cannot move her ears, nose, or lips, and food may fall out of her mouth.

Partial paralysis in cats

Paresis in cats and dogs is partial paralysis, expressed to a lesser extent, that is, the cat can at least somehow move independently.

Laryngeal paralysis in cats

The causes of this type of paralysis are unknown. But there is an assumption that this is due to severe stress, which entails a neuro-somatic reaction. Symptoms of this are: - Change of voice in the cat; - Difficulty swallowing or complete inability to swallow food; - Hard breath. This can lead to suffocation because little or no oxygen reaches the lungs.

Paralysis in cats due to intestines

Paralytic intestinal obstruction develops from many diseases: peritonitis, tumor, hematoma, urolithiasis. Other causes may include damage to nerve structures, abdominal trauma, myocardial infarction, diabetes, embolism, etc. In this case, intestinal tone and peristalsis of the intestinal muscles decrease, up to complete paralysis.

Bladder paralysis in cats

The bladder sphincter may become temporarily or completely unable to contract, causing enuresis. This disease occurs when the nervous system is damaged, the bladder is full, and there is long-term urinary retention.

Cerebral palsy in cats

Cats, just like people, suffer from cerebral palsy - these are movement disorders associated with damage to brain structures. Cerebral palsy in cats is treated in much the same way as in humans.

The article will discuss a problem that occurs only in some pets, but this does not mean that it is not serious and...

If we are talking about such a serious condition of cats as paralysis, then a lot depends on the speed of reaction of its owners. To overcome this disease, long-term treatment will be required. Thanks to modern diagnostics, the disease is detected quickly, which allows immediate treatment.

Causes of the disease

There are a lot of factors that cause restriction or lack of functioning of a certain organ, so it is impossible to make a diagnosis based only on external signs.

Reasons that can cause paralysis include the following:

• spinal injuries with damage, rupture, contusion of the spinal cord (being hit by the wheels of a car, falling from a height, etc.);
• inflammatory processes of the spinal cord that developed against the background of poisoning and infections;
• bites of parasites that secrete toxins;
• poisoning with toxic substances;
• displacement and infringement of intervertebral discs;
• fat or fibrocartilaginous embolism;
• cardiovascular pathologies;
• rabies and other deadly viral infections.

Paralysis in a cat can be complete or partial, affecting both hind legs (paraplegia) or one side, for example, the left hind and front legs (hemiplegia), all four limbs (tetraplegia), etc. In addition, there is a gradation according to the affected area - paralysis of the facial nerve, larynx, spinal, injury to the radial nerve.

Main symptoms

Paralysis may have a pronounced or blurred clinical picture. As the disease progresses, symptoms will increase. At first, the owner may notice that the pet has become more lethargic, drowsy, moves uncertainly, and tries to crawl into a secluded corner where no one will bother him.

Sometimes he becomes aggressive if someone tries to pet him or pick him up.

It is difficult for a cat to keep his head in the usual state, swallow, lap, food falls out of his mouth, so his appetite, as a rule, decreases. He stops washing his face and looks unkempt. Such phenomena as hypersalivation, involuntary release of feces and urine become commonplace.

If a cat has been bitten by a parasite, the pupils of its eyes dilate greatly and there are no reactions to external stimuli.

In case of injuries, thrombosis, hernias, the damaged limbs become cold, turn blue, and the pulse drops to a critical level.

With facial paralysis, asymmetry of the muzzle is observed: one of the corners of the mouth and eye goes down, blinking and movement of the facial muscles are absent. If the paralysis is bilateral, both corners of the mouth seem to slide down, causing the expression of the muzzle to become dull.

If you notice suspicious signs, you should immediately take the animal to the veterinary clinic. If help was provided to the animal at the initial stage, there is a chance of saving it.

Diagnostics in a veterinary clinic

Diagnostics is carried out comprehensively. First, the veterinarian examines the animal, conducts tests for tendon and neurological reflexes, and feels the paralyzed limbs. It is necessary to understand whether the cat feels touch, is in pain, or is no longer able to respond to stimuli.

Necessary diagnostic methods for paralysis include blood tests, urine tests, ultrasound of internal organs, MRI of the brain, X-rays, and Doppler sonography. If an infection is suspected, perform a bacteriological analysis.

Treatment method and prognosis

Many pet owners are convinced that if their cat is paralyzed, the only humane way to put it out of its misery is euthanasia. This is only partly true. Indeed, if the condition is serious, then in order not to torment the cat, it is wiser to euthanize it. However, this measure is considered as an extreme measure.

If it is possible to identify the cause that provoked the paralysis, treatment is aimed at eliminating it, and it is possible that the pet will be cured even without consequences. One or more operations at the veterinary clinic may be required, followed by a long recovery period.

Surgery is required for hernias and some injuries, such as when bone fragments protrude from the wound.

In addition, depending on the etiology of paralysis, the veterinarian prescribes sedatives, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Rimadyl, Carprodil, Flexoprofen), anticoagulants (Clopidogrel, Heparin, Aspirin), and antibiotics to relieve pain. If the animal experiences severe pain, the use of opioid drugs (Fentanyl, Hydromorphone) cannot be ruled out.

For inflammatory processes and injuries, steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are indicated. Metipred, which is administered by drip, has proven itself well. For tick bites, treatment is etiotropic.

Strengthening therapy includes the use of vitamins, in particular group B, which help restore damaged peripheral nerve endings.

If dehydration occurs, dehydration is performed using a saline drip. If the animal has difficulty breathing, oxygen therapy is necessary.

The prognosis for complete or partial paralysis is variable, depending on many reasons - the age and condition of the animal, the degree of damage, etc.

Options for the development of the disorder

Depending on the location relative to the lesion, hemiplegia can be:

• contralateral , if it appears on the side opposite to the lesion (in case of cerebral pathology);
• homolateral , if the damage is on the same side as the affected limbs (in spinal processes);
• double , when the upper and lower limbs are involved on both sides at once. Double hemiplegia is the most severe form of cerebral palsy.

A separate form of contralateral hemiplegia is the alternating variant. They talk about it if on the side opposite to the affected limbs, there are other neurological symptoms that can be explained by the same lesion that led to the development of the disorder.

Examples of alternating syndromes are:

1. Weber syndrome . In the cerebral peduncles, the pyramidal tract runs in close proximity to the nucleus of the gasomotor nerve. With a pathological process localized in this area, symptoms of damage to the third cranial nerve will appear on the affected side (ptosis, divergent strabismus, mydriasis, diplopia, limited upward, downward and inward mobility of the eyeball, pathology of accommodation), and central hemiplegia will form on the opposite side .
2. Millard-Gubler syndrome . If hemiplegia is detected on one side and peripheral paresis of the facial nerve on the opposite side, it is worth looking for the lesion in the pons, since there the corticospinal tract runs next to the nucleus of the VII nerve.
3. Foville syndrome occurs if peripheral paresis of the abducens nerve is added to the clinical picture of Millard-Gubler syndrome. In this case, the lesion should also be assumed to be in the pons, but think about a more extensive process than in the alternating syndrome involving only the nucleus of the facial nerve.
4. Jackson syndrome . The nucleus of the hypoglossal nerve, which provides movement of the tongue muscles, is located in the medulla oblongata. When it is destroyed together with the pyramidal tract, this alternating syndrome occurs, manifested by peripheral paresis of the tongue muscles from the pathology and contralateral hemiplegia.

What to do at home

If the owner wants to cure his four-legged pet, he must follow all the veterinarian’s instructions. You cannot change medications, reduce or increase the dosage at your own discretion! You need to understand that your pet will have to take some medications for a long period.

Physiotherapy plays a huge role in the recovery process. The cat will benefit greatly from assisted swimming, gymnastics (walking exercises, flexion and extension of limbs, etc.), a light but rather intense massage for 10 minutes three times a day. It is necessary to train the limbs, otherwise the muscles will atrophy.

Veterinarians recommend assisted swimming, but only if the cat is not afraid of water. It must be taken into account that even the slightest stress is an unacceptable factor.

To quickly return sensitivity to your limbs, you can scratch and tickle your paws.

If, despite all efforts, the cat’s mobility does not return, it is advisable to purchase a special wheelchair so that the patient can move around without dragging lifeless limbs. As a rule, pets quickly get used to such devices - literally in a couple of weeks. Thus, even if the cat remains disabled, it may well lead a normal life.

As for food, it should be light, but nutritious and balanced in composition - broths, purees, pates, pureed porridge.

General restorative home treatments for paralysis of paws

If a cat's hind legs have failed, he will benefit from daily restorative procedures. The owner can easily work with the pet on his own at home.

1. Paw massage should be done 5 to 7 times a day. For 10-15 minutes, massage your limbs with light but intense movements. This will help restore the conduction of nerve impulses and prevent the muscles from atrophying.
2. Therapeutic gymnastics in the form of forced flexion and extension of the limbs is very useful.
3. You can imitate walking using a kind of walker, which can be made from a wide towel placed under the cat’s belly. By supporting the animal in this way, you need to provoke it to move its paws on its own. If it is difficult for him, you can help with your hands.
4. Swimming gives very good results if the cat is not afraid of water. Once in a pond or bathtub, the animal involuntarily moves its paws, trying to swim, while the owner holds it under its belly. It has been noticed that healing occurs much faster after a course of such exercises.
5. Tickling the paws will help the owner feel the moment when the animal begins to feel them, by reaction to irritation.
6. Exercises on the ball are effective. The cat is placed on a ball of suitable size. Her paws, hanging down, should almost touch the floor, so that when she rolls, she seems to stand on them.

If the cat’s treatment does not bring the expected effect, and it still drags its hind legs, then you should not euthanize the animal. There is a way out in this case too. There are specialized wheelchairs for cats that perform the functions of limbs. Once accustomed, the cat will be able to move quite quickly in such a stroller without the help of the owner. The quality of life of an animal when using such a device remains quite high.

Causes of paralysis in cats

In most cases, paralysis in a cat is manifested by a lack of mobility of the limbs, although there is also paralysis of individual organs and systems, for example, intestinal paralysis.

The causes of this dangerous condition, in which there is a sharp or complete limitation, lack of functioning of a certain organ, can be different, which makes it impossible to unambiguously make a diagnosis based on external signs. The main causes of the disease are the following:

• spinal column injuries with contusion, damage or rupture of the spinal cord. Most often, injuries occur due to an animal falling from a height, being run over by a car, or from simple human stupidity and cruelty. By kicking an innocent little creature, a person does not even think about what suffering he is dooming him to. If paralysis is caused by such reasons, then the animal most often experiences polytrauma, that is, a whole series of different injuries to several organs at once;
• Stroke is also a fairly common disease that can cause paralysis. Animals that are especially susceptible to it are old, weak and emaciated, as well as overweight and inactive. These latter more often suffer from ischemic stroke due to vascular obstruction;
• inflammation of the spinal cord, mainly caused by infections, but also due to the presence of parasites, poisoning or as a complication after an infected injury;
• An animal's legs may become paralyzed after being bitten by insects called ixodid ticks. They release toxins that lead to paralysis. This is an insidious disease, as it manifests itself approximately a week after the bite;
• poisoning by gases and other dangerous chemicals;
• if the cat is paralyzed, this may be a consequence of displacement and pinching of the intervertebral discs. They compress the nerve endings that innervate the limbs and the blood vessels that supply blood to the tissues. As a result, lameness, pain, and then paralysis appear first;
• fibrocartilaginous or fat embolism, which appears due to blockage of the bloodstream due to the ingress of fat particles, tumor fragments or blood clots. Because of this, ischemia develops, and then tissue death with paralysis;
• a consequence of various deadly viral infections, for example, rabies, after which paralysis of the pectoral muscles and throat occurs, respiratory arrest and death;
• heart diseases, very often provoked by overweight and obesity of pets;
• improper, unbalanced diet, lack of the required amount of vitamins and minerals.

For the treatment to be effective and for the cat to survive and regain its mobility and health, you don’t need to hope that it will “go away on its own,” but immediately take the animal to a veterinary clinic or call a doctor at home if the cat screams in pain and won’t let you in. touch. Remember that only in the early stages most serious diseases are reversible and curable.

What are the most common causes of paralysis in cats?

• Aortic thromboembolism (thrombosis) is a blood clot that forms in the left atrium of the heart (this is most common in cats with hypertrophy), and then moves down the aorta (which is located along the back), to the junction of the hind legs (known as the saddle), where it splits into two arteries in the right and left legs. If the blockage occurs in front of the sella, both legs will be affected; if the blockage occurs in the iliac arteries in the left or right leg, then the legs may be partially affected.
• For example, poisoning is a common problem, especially along the east coast of Australia, through tick bites, tick paralysis occurs. A neurotoxin (a toxin that affects the nervous system) enters through the tick into parts of the body.
• Another common problem in cats is stroke. A stroke occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen. This may occur due to blocked arteries (ischemic stroke) or a ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Oxygen-deprived cells begin to die in the brain, affecting the functions controlled by that area of ​​the brain.
• Injuries - in most cases, cat injuries occur from car accidents, falls from heights and violence (being hit or kicked). A pelvic fracture is a very common condition in cats, which can be caused by being hit by a car or falling from a height.
• Cancer – Tumors of the spine or brain may occur.
• Herniated disc (herniated disc) - The spine is made up of vertebrae and discs, a spongy cushion between the vertebrae that act as a shock absorber and allow for movement and flexibility in the spine. Sometimes the disc can become distorted or ruptured, putting pressure on the spinal cord, leading to pain and in some cases paralysis.
• Viral infections - in particular, infectious peritonitis can occur in cats.
• Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by an intracellular parasite known as Toxoplasma.

Paralysis in cats - symptoms?

Symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause of the paralysis and may include:

• Weakness of the limbs or complete paralysis (inability to move the limbs). If weakness has occurred, your cat may walk as if she is intoxicated, having difficulty jumping over or standing.
• Urinary and/or fecal incontinence.
• Inability to feel pain in the back leg or legs.

Injuries:

• If trauma has occurred, such as a car accident or fall, the tail may also be paralyzed, causing it to become flaccid.
• You may notice bleeding or other signs of injury.
• Cats that have been hit by a car often have severely damaged legs and claws.

Aortic thromboembolism:

• Cool hindquarters will have a blue tint to the paw pads, which are easier to see in cats with lighter skin.
• Weak or absent pulse in the groin.

Intervertebral disc herniation:

• The appearance of the cat is that it will be hunched over with its head down.
• Pain when touched.
• Reluctance to move.

Tick ​​paralysis:

• Dilated pupils (tick paralysis).
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Cough.

Toxoplasmosis:

• Most cats infected with toxoplasmosis have no symptoms at all. When they are present, cats are usually weak, have loss of appetite and lethargy.

Other symptoms:

• Pain. Cries when touched, reluctance to move.
• Loss of appetite.

If these symptoms occur, it is necessary to transport your cat to the veterinarian:

• Cat paralysis is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention. Be extremely careful when handling a cat that is paralyzed.
• Use a towel to gently lift and place the cat on a flat surface (such as a board or heavy piece of cardboard) for transport. If possible, call ahead to let your veterinarian know you are on the way.
• Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination and provide a neurological evaluation. He will ask for your medical history, including whether the cat has access to the outdoors or not, what recent injuries she has had, has there been any car accidents or falls, does she have heart disease, anything else you have noticed?

1. In case of injury, there may be obvious signs of injury such as bleeding, pain when touched, broken skin.
2. A cat with aortic thromboembolism will have a weak or absent pulse in the groin.

Types of feline paralysis

If paralysis is detected in a cat, it can manifest itself in several forms:

• paraplegia - paralysis of the hind legs, which often occurs with stroke, spinal injury, inflammation of the spinal cord, pelvic injury and other diseases;
• hemiplegia is a form of paralysis in which the front and back legs on one side of the body remain motionless;
• tetraplegia is paralysis of all limbs in cats, the most dangerous condition, most often having a poor prognosis;
• monoplegia is a lesion of one of the hind or forelimbs.

In addition to this division, there is also a gradation of paralysis according to the area of ​​damage to the animal’s body:

• paresis and paralysis of the facial nerve;
• laryngeal paralysis;
• radial nerve injury;
• spinal paralysis;
• swollen hind limbs.

Each of these states can manifest itself clearly or vaguely. If paralysis occurs as a result of a gradual increase in symptoms, the cat may gradually lose its vigor and activity, and become increasingly lethargic.

In case of stroke, injury, poisoning and severe intoxication, symptoms increase rapidly, sometimes instantly.

What causes the violation

Factors that can lead to hemiplegia are quite diverse:

Most of all manifestations of hemiplegia are acquired as a result of certain organic damage to the brain and spinal cord.

However, there are also congenital variants in which the baby is already born with a disorder. This is a consequence of improper formation of central motor neurons during embryogenesis or other disorders of cerebral and spinal functions during fetal development.

As a rule, this is not one, but several reasons at once, manifested by hemiplegia or delayed formation of cerebral structures.

Most often, the basis of pathogenesis is dyscirculatory disorders of the intracerebral, utero- and fetoplacental circulation, leading to dysgenesis and malformations of the newborn’s brain.

Signs of paralysis in cats

Most often, paralysis in cats is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• the animal becomes lethargic, inactive, refuses to eat or cannot eat - food falls out of its mouth, it is difficult for it to lap, sometimes it cannot fix and hold its head normally;
• the cat tries to lie down, sometimes crawls away, hiding under furniture or in dark corners, screams, hisses or shows unusual aggression when trying to lift it or even stroke it;
• the cat stops washing himself, becomes untidy, involuntary drooling, urine and/or feces may appear;
• some animals become apathetic and do not react in any way to the presence of their owners, others turn into very aggressive ones, hiss and growl even at their beloved owner, others show symptoms of disorientation, motor agitation, they try to crawl somewhere, tear from their hands, and can not only scratch , but also to bite;
• sometimes, in the initial stages of the disease, the only symptom may be only uncertain, unsteady movements and the cat’s desire to lie down more than to move;
• in case of poisoning and bites of insects, ticks, the cat's pupils are greatly dilated, she is lethargic, sleepy, does not react to external stimuli, does not eat, she may salivate;
• in case of hernias, thrombosis, damage to nerve endings due to diseases or injuries, a decrease or absence of pulse, cold tissue and cyanosis of the skin may be observed in the affected limb.

Paralysis in cats: symptoms

As is clear from the reasons, the symptoms vary. The main reasons and also expectations from recovery were discussed above. Now let's look at more detailed and all the symptoms for each disease.

The main symptoms of paralysis in cats:
• Inability to feel the hind legs;
• Incontinence;
• Problems with pulse and breathing;
• Apathy;
• Loss of appetite.

In case of injury, paralysis in cats will be accompanied by symptoms:

In case of injury, symptoms of paralysis in cats:
• The tail is relaxed because the spine is damaged;
• Bleeding and other noticeable symptoms upon impact and fracture;
• Damage to the claws and paws of not only the hind ones, but also the front ones.

If there is a hernia or inflammation of the spinal cord, paralysis in cats will be accompanied by symptoms:

With a hernia or inflammation of the spinal cord, symptoms of paralysis in cats:
• Pain when touched;
• Apathy;
• Walks and bends strangely;
• Aggression.

With thromboembolism and fibrocartilaginous embolism, paralysis in cats will be accompanied by symptoms:

With thromboembolism and fibrocartilaginous embolism, symptoms of paralysis in cats:
• The hind legs have failed, blood does not flow to them, they are blue and cold;
• Lack of appetite and apathy;
• Doesn't react to anything;
• Irregular pulse and weak breathing.

In case of a stroke, paralysis in cats will be accompanied by symptoms:

With a stroke, symptoms of paralysis in cats:
• Suffocation;
• Difficulty breathing, swallowing and eating;
• The animal literally falls from its paws to the ground;
• Unresponsive to stimuli, in a state of shock.

When a tick bites, paralysis in cats will be accompanied by symptoms:

Symptoms of paralysis in cats due to a tick bite
• Difficulty swallowing;
• Apathy;
• Cough;
• Lack of appetite;
• Anxiety.

Carrying out diagnostics

Since immobility or impaired movement of limbs and organ functioning can be caused by various reasons, diagnosis is carried out comprehensively. The animal undergoes x-rays in the frontal and other planes, ultrasound of internal organs, MRI of the brain and spinal column; if a stroke or other vascular and cardiac problems are suspected, Doppler sonography may be required.

Determining the cause and treating paralysis requires performing a general and biochemical blood test, conducting a bacteriological examination, and taking a urine sample.

In addition to conducting such studies and tests, the doctor will definitely take care of paralyzed limbs. He will check whether the animal feels touch, whether it is in pain, and will test for neurological and tendon reflexes. The collected data will allow you to get a picture of how sick the cat is and how treatment should be carried out.

Treatment of the disease

Very often, owners ask the question of how to cure paralysis at home. There is only one answer to this question: not at all. If you do not want your cat to die in agony, treatment of paralysis should be entrusted to an experienced veterinarian.

Only he is able to carry out the necessary manipulations and actions, besides, to treat some conditions, a serious operation may be required, and not even just one, so the cat may be in the clinic for some time.

But after discharge, caring owners can do a lot for their pet. Treatment for paralysis is often very long and complex, so the pet will need all the love and care of its owners.

The doctor may prescribe the use of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and painkillers, use antiviral drugs, anticoagulants, sedatives and other drugs. Some medications will have to be given to their animals by the owners themselves for quite a long time.

It is also very important to organize proper nutrition for the cat. At first, food is given in the form of puree or pate; it should be light, but high in calories and balanced in composition.

Physiotherapy is very important for the animal's recovery. He needs to do massages, gymnastics, and gently but persistently force him to step on the sore limb in order to train the muscles.

Even in seemingly hopeless cases, with paralysis of the hind legs, if the animal is strong and young enough, does not experience pain and shows a strong desire to live, it can be provided with a completely comfortable life with the help of a special “stroller”. Yes, the cat will be disabled, but it will live and be the same pet as before its dangerous illness.

If we are talking about such a serious condition of cats as paralysis, then a lot depends on the speed of reaction of its owners. To overcome this disease, long-term treatment will be required. Thanks to modern diagnostics, the disease is detected quickly, which allows immediate treatment.

Causes of paralysis in cats

Almost all diseases of cats can lead to a deterioration in their condition with the occurrence of paralysis. This even applies to ear scabies, in which the middle ear first becomes inflamed, then the infection spreads to the inner ear.

Further, the membranes of the brain may be affected. It is the latter condition that becomes a threat of paralysis. The main causes of paralysis in cats are:

• spinal injury;
• inflammatory processes of the spine;
• fibrocartilaginous embolism;
• stroke;
• damage by ixodid ticks;
• viral infection (eg fip);
• gas poisoning.

If a cat falls from a height, it can damage the spinal cord and vertebrae. Depending on the location of the lesion, paralysis of the front and hind limbs occurs, but mostly both are affected. Signs appear unexpectedly, often increasing in a short time. Inflammatory processes of the spinal cord occur during poisoning, complicated trauma, damage by parasites and infectious processes.

During a stroke, the blood vessels of the brain are affected. This pathology leads to disruption of the functioning of this organ and motor function, up to and including paralysis.

If a cat has a fibrocartilaginous embolism, in which blood circulation is disrupted, a sudden decrease in blood supply to tissues may occur, followed by necrosis. The disruption is caused by blockage of blood vessels with pieces:

6 days after being bitten by ixodid ticks, tick paralysis often occurs due to the toxins they secrete. A dangerous viral infection like rabies can also lead to paralysis. Most often the larynx is affected, causing breathing to stop.

Possible causes of paralysis in cats

There are many reasons why a pet's hind legs fail. It is quite difficult to identify them, so you need to remember everything that your pet has interacted with recently. What did you eat, where did you go, etc.

. Even a seemingly harmless ear mite can cause such a terrible disease.

In this article we will present only those common reasons why paralysis may occur in cats.

. There are quite a lot of them, so under no circumstances do the diagnosis yourself; entrust it to a professional who has already encountered the disease and knows what to do and how to restore a full life to your pet.

Spinal injuries - paralysis in cats

The most obvious and common is a dislocation, a fracture of the cat's spinal cord. Most paralysis is sudden, hollow and bilateral. In such an unfavorable situation, symptoms appear almost immediately. In case of serious injury and bruise, it may be accompanied by painful shock and loss of consciousness. Unfortunately, it is very rarely possible to fully recover from this.

Inflammation of the spinal cord - paralysis in cats

Due to poisoning, toxins in the body, or some kind of infection, the cat may lose its hind legs. This is also accompanied by incontinence, increased temperature, fever, etc. If you follow the doctor’s instructions, recovery is more than possible, and the prognosis is most often favorable.

Thromboembolism - paralysis in cats

Stroke - paralysis in cats

Symptoms and signs include fainting, shock, confusion about where the cat is, lethargy and apathy. Along with the paws, there may be paralysis of the pharynx, which causes choking and difficulty in eating food and swallowing in general. When a cat's hind legs fail after a stroke, the prognosis is favorable and the likelihood of improvement is high.

Fibrocartilaginous embolism, paralysis in cats

In other words, this is tissue death. It is most often caused by blockage and disruption of the blood vessels of the cat’s spinal cord. The disease develops at lightning speed, begins with the cat screaming in pain, followed by laziness, apathy, lack of playfulness, reluctance to walk, react to other stimuli from the owner, reluctance to eat, after which comes the final stage, when the paws finally die. Here everything is more complicated and the prognosis can be both favorable and not.

Tick ​​paralysis in cats

Ticks are a big problem for both people and animals. Their poison and toxins kill the body from the inside within a few days. It is very important to consider the symptoms and stages, because the prognosis depends on them. At the beginning, the symptoms are invisible to the eye: pet agitation, anxiety and stress. After some time, apathy begins, a reluctance to move and go somewhere, playfulness disappears. Then the pet begins to feel poisoned in the body, he feels sick, he trembles, his temperature drops, his pulse decreases and his breathing shortens. At the last stage, paralysis of the hind legs and more already occurs. Paralysis may also occur in the larynx. Recovery is possible, but only in the first 2-3 stages, and not in the last, when the entire body of the animal is poisoned.

Cardiomyopathy - paralysis in cats

The volume of the ventricles in the heart decreases, the walls become denser. Because of this, activity deteriorates, appetite decreases, and complete apathy to surrounding stimuli. Attacks of vomiting and coughing also appear. Here it just seems like paralysis is piercing your paws. In fact, with such a disease, paralysis itself does not often develop. If they are completely eliminated, then there is a layering with other reasons, for example, thromboembolism or other blockages of any vessels in the cat’s body. If only cardiomyopathy occurs, then the prognosis for recovery is good.

Hernia - paralysis in cats

With a herniated spine, the cat refuses to move. Any touch to an animal brings pain. If a cat walks, it bends strongly, its head is lowered down. Most often, after surgery, the pet recovers quite quickly and asymptomatically.

Symptoms

Sometimes at the initial stage of the disease the only sign is uncertain and unsteady movements. The animal tries to lie down as much as possible rather than walk.

Other symptoms that indicate paralysis is developing in a cat are conditions in which it:

• refuses to eat;
• cannot eat - food falls out of mouth;
• unable to hold head up;
• stops washing.

Sometimes you can observe an involuntary leakage from an animal:

It is noted that with paralysis, some cats try to crawl somewhere, show aggression, scratch and bite. Others become lethargic, sleepy, and unresponsive to the presence of their owners. Animals' pupils dilate.

In diseased limbs due to injuries or diseases due to thrombosis, hernia and damage to nerve endings, the following may be observed:

• cold snap;
• absence or decreased pulse;
• bluishness of the skin.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis varies depending on the likely causes of the paralysis. The veterinarian may prescribe a general urine test, which will allow you to assess the health of the animal, and a biochemical blood test.

A urine sample is also taken, and to identify a tumor, an x-ray or ultrasound is prescribed, which allows you to assess the condition of the pelvis, spine and heart.

The doctor will definitely examine the paralyzed paws for sensitivity to touch and pain. He will test for tendon and neurological reflexes.

All these examinations must be carried out by a doctor. Since it is on the basis of the collected data that treatment will be prescribed.

Clinical manifestations

Considering that hemiplegia is manifested by the absence of voluntary movements in the limbs on the nominal side, clinically it can be right-sided, left-sided or double, which is most often observed in cerebral palsy.

Depending on where the damage to the motor tract occurred (its central or peripheral neuron was damaged), hemiplegia can be central or spastic and peripheral or flaccid.

Spastic hemiplegia always has a number of common features. Firstly, tendon reflexes are increased in the affected limbs (carporadial, bicipital and tricipital for the upper limb and knee and Achilles for the lower).

This occurs due to the lack of a dominant influence of the affected pyramidal tract on the conditioned reflex arcs.

Muscle tone also increases, which in its essence is also an unconditioned reflex. In this case, hypertonicity in the upper limb manifests itself in the flexor muscles, and in the lower limb - in the extensor muscles.

In addition, so-called pathological reflexes begin to appear on paralyzed limbs - these are innate unconditional reactions of the body, which are gradually suppressed by the active function of the corticospinal tract.

Pathological reflexes include:

• flexion foot signs of Rossalimo, Zhukovsky, Bekhterev;
• extensor foot signs of Babinski, Oppenheim, Gordon and Schaeffer;
• symptoms of oral automatism;
• pathological signs from the upper limb (Rossolimo, Jacobson-Lask, Bekhterev, Zhukovsky).

Peripheral plegia is characterized by decreased muscle tone, muscle atrophy and loss of reflexes.

These changes occur as a result of damage to the peripheral motor neuron, which is why the reflex arc does not close.

Treatment of the disease

Treatment depends on what led to the paralysis. Treatment extends over a long period of time.

It must be borne in mind that cats rarely fully recover their motor functions.

Treatment must be comprehensive. It includes:

• taking medications;
• establishing proper nutritious nutrition;
• physiotherapy.

In case of paralysis, the animal should be fed easily digestible foods, preferably purees. All necessary vitamins must be included in the animal's diet.

For inflammation and injuries, anti-inflammatory steroid drugs, for example, Methylpred, are administered. Injections of B vitamins help restore diseased peripheral nerves well. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to relieve pain, this may include:

• Flexoprofen;
• Carprodil;
• Rimadyl.

If the cat is in severe pain, then opioid drugs are used:

Anticoagulants Aspirin, Heparin or Clopidogrel are prescribed when acute blockage of a blood vessel by a detached thrombus is detected. Surgery is performed for hernias and injuries. Paralysis caused by a tick bite is treated by administering a special serum.

To protect the cat’s body from dehydration, she is given drips with saline solution. If breathing problems are noted, mechanical ventilation or oxygen therapy is performed. Often, in order to restore sensitivity, the doctor recommends myoelectric stimulation and massage, which can be done at home.

Prevention

The recovery process can be speeded up a little. To do this, you need to massage regularly every day - 3-5 sessions of 10 minutes each. Massage is carried out only after consultation with a veterinarian, because in some cases there are contraindications for its implementation.

It should be quite intense, but at the same time light, which will not allow the muscles to atrophy. You should try to bend and straighten your limbs, imitate movement in a lying and standing position.

An exercise that helps with paralysis is an exercise in which the cat, with the help of its owner, tries to walk. To do this, pass a towel under the belly and lift the back of the animal slightly. You need to move your paralyzed paws with your hands, thereby forcing you to move forward.

If your cat loves water, you can use an exercise such as assisted swimming. It is noted that swimming is one of the most effective activities in the fight against paralysis. When there is at least a partial return of sensitivity, you need to scratch its paws and ears so that the animal reflexively tries to do the same. Since it takes a long time to restore nerve endings, physiotherapeutic measures must continue for quite a long time.

Paralysis in cats: treatment

For any owner, this condition of his pet is a real test. Many people are simply lost and think that putting their pet to sleep is the best way out of the situation. After all, no one suffers and everything ends quickly. Of course, this is everyone's personal choice. But we are sure that in most cases paws can be saved

, because in some diseases they fail for a short time and function after treatment.

Treatment depends on the cause of the disease. As we have already learned, there are many reasons, hence the medications and recovery time will be different. The main thing is to follow the instructions of the treating veterinarian, who has already encountered such situations and knows exactly what to do.

However, the owner can facilitate and speed up recovery from paralysis in cats:
• If your doctor allows it, you can massage for 10 minutes several times a day. The massage should be intense, rubbing, but light. This is done so that blood continues to flow into the animal’s paws and they do not die off or atrophy due to lack of movement and activity;
• imitation of walking, extension and flexion of paws;
• You can hold the animal and let it try to move its paws on its own. Assist and develop as needed;
• Water treatments and swimming also help you recover faster. However, it is recommended to do this already in the last stages of recovery and only with the recommendation and approval of a doctor;
• In the final stages of recovery, scratch and lightly tickle the paws to restore sensitivity.