Civie walking on hocks

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Wendy and Boo (GA)

Wendy and Boo (GA)

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My non-diabetic cat Rusty (bg~60) walks and sits on his hocks, causing the hair on them to be rubbed off. About two years ago, X-Rays showed he had disc problems in his spine, but at the time no sign of hock issues. I'm going to give the pictures to my vet, but taking Rusty in for an appointment is a battle. I can't see how he's going to get a good exam in without losing body parts. I'm concerned this condition might be painful to him, although he jumps without problem. Has anybody had experience with this? Could it be his back problems causing this?

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http://www.petplace.com/cats/interverte ... page1.aspx

No first hand experience, but yes it looks like from what I am googling that it could be related to his discs. that the disc problems can slowly get worse over time and affect the back legs first then front legs. He may not have feeling in his back legs because of the disc and then does not feel that he is walking on his hocks.

Is there any way to sedate him prior to going to vet? it sounds like his back may have gotten worse. It sounds like from my googling that a myelogram would tell you how bad his discs are . I would try to find out if his back or legs are painful so he can get pain meds if needed.

I also second the potassium deficiency suggestion, ie bloodwork.
 
thanks everyone.

Looks like he's off to the vet as soon as it stops snowing. For his last vet visit, to calm him down we gave him a very small amount of Acepromazine but he had a bad reaction to it. I'll ask the vet if there is something else we can try.

I'll update this post when I get a diagnosis.
 
My civie Minou has the exact same "wear" spots on her hocks. She walks normally, but rests on her hocks when sitting or standing. I took her to the vet several times. The vet determined she was not exhibiting any signs of pain or discomfort when standing and walking. She had no signs of arthritis or disc problems. She took skin scrapings to check for bacterial or fungal infections. We tried both oral and topical antibiotics. In the end, the vet decided they were just pressure points and nothing to worry about. That was two years ago and nothing has changed. I would recommend a vet visit, but just wanted to share our experience that it may be nothing serious.

As for sedation, Angus was terrified of car rides. My vet recommended 1/2 a Bendryl tablet when I had to take him to the specialists (1/2 hour car ride). It worked wonders. Again, I would talk to your vet before giving it, but it is another possibility.
 
Thanks Karen for Minou's story. Sounds a lot like Rusty and it gives me some hope. Poor guy is too old and not in good enough health for spinal surgery (he has CRF)

I'll ask the vet about benadryl when I make the appointment. He needs something when I take him in. :?
 
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