Idjit is limping

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Idjit's mom

Idjit's mom

Member Since 2018
A few weeks ago we noticed Idjit limping on his left front leg. Went to the vet and he was not cooperative at all, even aggressive, so they couldn't see him walk. He was sedated so that they could examine the leg and paw for any injuries or claw problems. No obvious issues. They trimmed his claws and he got to come home, with the offer to bring him back for X-rays. He improved, but now and again I would see him limp after he got up from a long nap, like he was in one position too long and was stiff..maybe some arthritis?

This morning he is limping on the right side, so I am thinking of using a supplement to help his joints and see if that eliminates or reduces the limping. I have looked at 1-TDC which also helps with periodontal health, so would be beneficial that way also, but I'm wondering just how much it would help possible arthritic joint issues.

His appetite is great, coat, skin and eyes are healthy looking. Just the limping.

If anyone has input or has dealt with issues like this, please chime in. I'm more concerned than ever.
 
FurBabiesMama said:
Here is their site where you can find info: https://1tdc.com/cat-health/ It was strongly recommended to me by girls' dental specialist.

@Idjit's mom It should definitely help with those joints. Have you decided whether to get x-rays done?
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I haven't decided about the x-rays, DH has a series of med appointments in the next few weeks, all with additional expenses. And Idjit was so unhappy and uncooperative last visit, was described as aggressive even, so he would have to be sedated again :( more $$. I would like to be certain that there is not anything more serious going on though. I keep remembering the story you told me about the kitty that had limping, and it turned out to be undiagnosed cancer.

The limping comes and goes, and as he walks around, stretches out, it seems to lessen. That's why I am leaning more toward thinking it's an arthritis issue. Or maybe it's just wishful thinking.

When you use the 1-TDC, do you open the capsule and sprinkle it on the food? 1 or more X a day?
 
Idjit's mom said:
When you use the 1-TDC, do you open the capsule and sprinkle it on the food? 1 or more X a day?
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You are supposed to give 1 capsule a day for 30 days then just give it every other day. It is not something you can sprinkle. It is a gel. It comes in a little heart shaped capsule with a tip that you cut off. Ideally, you want to squirt it in the mouth on the gums - half on each side or just alternate sides each day. This is supposed to give the most periodontal benefits. If that doesn't work with your cat, they say you can put it on the nose or paw for them to lick off, but that sounds pretty messy to me. As long as they ingest it, it will have joint benefits (dogs can swallow the capsule whole, but it is too big for a cat.. my cats at least), but if it never comes in contact with the gums/mouth, it will not provide the same periodontal benefits.

For Willow, I squirt it directly into her mouth, but that did not fly with Mia. Mia eats hers off of chicken.
 
FurBabiesMama said:
You are supposed to give 1 capsule a day for 30 days then just give it every other day. It is not something you can sprinkle. It is a gel. It comes in a little heart shaped capsule with a tip that you cut off. Ideally, you want to squirt it in the mouth on the gums - half on each side or just alternate sides each day. This is supposed to give the most periodontal benefits. If that doesn't work with your cat, they say you can put it on the nose or paw for them to lick off, but that sounds pretty messy to me. As long as they ingest it, it will have joint benefits (dogs can swallow the capsule whole, but it is too big for a cat.. my cats at least), but if it never comes in contact with the gums/mouth, it will not provide the same periodontal benefits.

For Willow, I squirt it directly into her mouth, but that did not fly with Mia. Mia eats hers off of chicken.
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Thanks very much, I think it will take some practice to get it on the gums, but we can certainly try. Always working on dental health too.
 
I have also started giving Willow krill oil for extra omega 3. I know some people give MSM. Someone recommended that to me a long time back. I got some but my girls just won't eat their food if I put anything in it, so I did not have success with that.

Janet says Adequan is really good for arthritis if it gets to the point that you want to try that.

I hope Idjit's limp goes away. :(
 
Whispy has started doing this in the last few months. The most recent time a couple weeks ago, it was around 6pm and he crawled out from under his usual spot and kind of lumbered across the floor limping on a front leg. I was *certain* that we'd end up at the ER that night. But 4-5 hours later he was just gone. He never jumps down from anything, he's old and chunky so we have stairs up to beds and couches where he needs them, so it isn't likely a bad landing. I've attributed it to just being stiff so far since he seems to be able to work it out.

Like so many other things with our babies, I am trying not to worry for now and just monitor.
 
Idjit's mom said:
I think it will take some practice to get it on the gums
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Honestly, with Willow, I hold it ready to squeeze (I have learned to hold it in such a way that I cannot mistakenly pop the whole thing in her mouth because that almost happened to me once early on and freaked me out - just knew I was going to choke her), and as soon as I get that little mouth to come open a little, I squirt it all in quickly. I think/hope it is getting enough on the gums, but I cannot be sure. I figure it is getting in that little mouth, and her smacking on it is spreading it around.
 
Sandi & Whisper said:
Whispy has started doing this in the last few months. The most recent time a couple weeks ago, it was around 6pm and he crawled out from under his usual spot and kind of lumbered across the floor limping on a front leg. I was *certain* that we'd end up at the ER that night. But 4-5 hours later he was just gone. He never jumps down from anything, he's old and chunky so we have stairs up to beds and couches where he needs them, so it isn't likely a bad landing. I've attributed it to just being stiff so far since he seems to be able to work it out.

Like so many other things with our babies, I am trying not to worry for now and just monitor.
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Me too, Sandi. These little fur kids own our hearts. I'm old and chunky too, and I know what ailing worn out joints feel like. I wish I could convince Idjit to let me use my warmed rice bags on his leg. Idjit is still jumping up and down off the bed, his viewing chair at the front window, etc. Maybe we will have to look into steps/stairs to his perches and many resting places.
Hugs to Whispy.
FurBabiesMama said:
Honestly, with Willow, I hold it ready to squeeze (I have learned to hold it in such a way that I cannot mistakenly pop the whole thing in her mouth because that almost happened to me once early on and freaked me out - just knew I was going to choke her), and as soon as I get that little mouth to come open a little, I squirt it all in quickly. I think/hope it is getting enough on the gums, but I cannot be sure. I figure it is getting in that little mouth, and her smacking on it is spreading it around.
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I am looking into all the OTC preparations, researching. You have figured out how to manage with both of your girls, this seems like a good product. Soft head bumps to Willow and Mia.
 
Gosh, I am so sorry to hear about Idjit's limping right now. Sucks that the vet couldn't find any easy signs to point to something right away too, silly cats always gotta keep us guessing :rolleyes:. I'm like you and always have the urge to throw money at the issue until I find an answer though I cannot afford it. We can only do the best with what we have and I think that dealing with joint health is a good place to start. I hope that the supplement helps him and I'm glad to hear that besides the limp he seems to be in good health! Kyo and I are sending healing your way :bighug:
 
Harukyo said:
Gosh, I am so sorry to hear about Idjit's limping right now. Sucks that the vet couldn't find any easy signs to point to something right away too, silly cats always gotta keep us guessing :rolleyes:. I'm like you and always have the urge to throw money at the issue until I find an answer though I cannot afford it. We can only do the best with what we have and I think that dealing with joint health is a good place to start. I hope that the supplement helps him and I'm glad to hear that besides the limp he seems to be in good health! Kyo and I are sending healing your way :bighug:
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Thank you for your good wishes. He's better today, went outside with Dad to check out our little garden, and was trotting along very well. He doesn't seem to be uncomfortable today either, good appetite and took over the entire middle of my bed for his napping today (all stretched out and this kitty can really stretch out!) Hopefully, the supplement I have ordered will help a lot.
 
Sorry to hear Idjit is still having issues. Not sure if Cosequin is an option? Years ago that was recommended for arthritis in cats. That 1TDC seems to have good reviews for reducing inflammation and would also support oral health, so that may be the way to go. I hope he is doing better soon. Sounds like if it is intermittent, may be just stiffness. See if you notice more when the weather is damp:bighug:
 
I am going to try a supplement with chondroitin and MSM, very small bottle to see if it helps with inflammation, stiffness and pain. I do want to order the 1-TDC as soon as I can though.
 
So sorry to hear about Idjit!! Hope all the supplements will work! Especially the chondroitin and MSM! :bighug:
 
Idjit's mom said:
A few weeks ago we noticed Idjit limping on his left front leg. Went to the vet and he was not cooperative at all, even aggressive, so they couldn't see him walk. He was sedated so that they could examine the leg and paw for any injuries or claw problems. No obvious issues. They trimmed his claws and he got to come home, with the offer to bring him back for X-rays. He improved, but now and again I would see him limp after he got up from a long nap, like he was in one position too long and was stiff..maybe some arthritis?

This morning he is limping on the right side, so I am thinking of using a supplement to help his joints and see if that eliminates or reduces the limping. I have looked at 1-TDC which also helps with periodontal health, so would be beneficial that way also, but I'm wondering just how much it would help possible arthritic joint issues.

His appetite is great, coat, skin and eyes are healthy looking. Just the limping.

If anyone has input or has dealt with issues like this, please chime in. I'm more concerned than ever.
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I have no wisdom to share, but plenty of hugs and healing wishes.
 
one possible thing -- is there a chiropractor in your area who works with animals? we have one here who does, anything from hamsters to horses ... especially for dogs and cats, the results can be amazing --
 
Idjit's mom said:
Thank you so much, he's doing better and we have started the glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM supplement. He likes it, and I hope it helps. Will be doing testing more often to see if the glucosamine affects the BG.
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I'm so glad to hear that Idjit's doing better, and that he likes his medicine! It's such a struggle when they have to take something that they dislike.
 
Amina&M'row said:
How's Idjit now? I hope continuing to get better fast.
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Actually he going to the vet this morning for x-rays. He was limping badly yesterday, crying a little. DH was having tests at VA, he's my ride, so we couldn't take the one available appointment yesterday. Seems the limping and pain are much worse when he lays on the left side for too long.
Idjit will probably have to be sedated, he hates going, so he hasn't had breffis. He's not happy with me. Will update when I know something.
Thanks for checking back. :)
 
make sure you get a copy of the x rays, and see if there is a chiropractor in your area who treats animals

we have one here, and I've watched him work with animals, makes a huge difference
 
A bit better this morning, limp is less pronounced. I loaded him up on the joint supplement, read on the bottle that could be done the first week. Of course very small print and I missed it, and gave standard dose first 5 days. Vet didn't want to sedate and X-Ray yet. Idjit had one dose Metacam on Friday.
I am to check back with vet tomorrow. Idjit is eating well, BG 77 on AT2 yesterday.
 
Just reading this, and wanted to pipe up about difficult cats/sedation/etc. My vet recently suggested trying a single dose of gabapentin a couple hours before a planned vet visit, and it worked like a charm on my vet-aggressive kitty, she made it almost through the entire exam before we even heard a hiss. Doesn't work for all cats, apparently, but for those that it does, it's a relatively safe way to bring them down a notch short of actual sedation. Might be something to ask your vet about for future visits (may not be a good idea on a day when there's the possibility of needing sedation anyway, that's something to ask about).

I hope Idjit's limp is nothing serious.
 
Nan & Amber said:
Just reading this, and wanted to pipe up about difficult cats/sedation/etc. My vet recently suggested trying a single dose of gabapentin a couple hours before a planned vet visit, and it worked like a charm on my vet-aggressive kitty, she made it almost through the entire exam before we even heard a hiss. Doesn't work for all cats, apparently, but for those that it does, it's a relatively safe way to bring them down a notch short of actual sedation. Might be something to ask your vet about for future visits (may not be a good idea on a day when there's the possibility of needing sedation anyway, that's something to ask about).

I hope Idjit's limp is nothing serious.
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Thanks Nan. I had asked the person I spoke to when making the appointment about giving Idjit the Gaba and she said no, then during the visit I brought that up and vet said it would have been ok. So now I know. I have Gaba on hand for the vetty visits, and if he has to go back he will be getting some. Idjit just used to complain, but he gets more aggressive each time now. He's just had it with stupid beans putting him in a carrier, riding in the car and going to the vet, and then getting things done to him there! Hmmmmph!

I hope it's not serious too, I am very concerned about this. But, right now, he's sacked out on his memory foam bed here in the living room, sawing logs and looks comfortable.
 
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