- The most effective way to treat lameness is to obtain an accurate diagnosis of what is wrong.
- Always strictly follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for rehabilitation and recovery.
- It is critical to keep all of your pet’s recommended follow-up appointments so that your veterinarian can monitor your pet’s progress.
My Cat Is Limping—Now What?
The most effective way to treat lameness is to obtain an accurate diagnosis of what is wrong. If your cat is limping, don’t try to guess what the problem is or wait to see if it gets better on its own. A veterinarian can evaluate your cat by a thorough physical examination; if necessary, laboratory tests can be performed and/or radiographs (x-rays) obtained. Lameness can be caused by many things—infections, fractures, soft tissue injuries, and arthritis, to name a few. Paying attention to signs that your cat is uncomfortable and having your cat evaluated quickly can help prevent smaller problems from becoming bigger ones.
When your cat is lame from either an injury or a joint problem, the most important point to remember is to strictly follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for rehabilitation and recovery. In some cases, these instructions may help your pet recover fully and perhaps avoid surgery. However, if surgery is required to treat a severe injury or replace a joint, careful rehabilitation becomes even more essential. A fracture or joint replacement site that becomes re-injured or infected can leave few treatment options for your cat.
Sprains, Strains, and Minor Surgery
For minor injuries, such as a pulled muscle, your veterinarian may first try prescribing antiinflammatory/pain medications as well as exercise and activity restrictions for your pet. Exercise restrictions usually include keeping your cat in a small space—for example, a crate with a bed, a litterbox with a low side(s), and food and water dishes. Closely following such instructions can sometimes keep minor injuries from requiring more involved and expensive surgery and treatment. You should only give your cat medications that are prescribed by a veterinarian.
Traumatic Injury and Joint Replacement
Complicated injuries require a more involved recovery period. Typically, full recovery from a complex fracture repair or joint surgery, such as hip replacement, can take up to 2 or 3 months. Some cats need 6 months of careful monitoring and rehabilitation before they are completely recovered.
Typically, when a cat is recovering from any kind of complex joint surgery, complete cage rest is prescribed (see below). If your cat has a broken bone, recovery is more complicated, and your cat’s leg will be immobilized in a molded splint or cast for a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks.
If Your Cat Needs Surgery
While your cat is recuperating at home, you will need to give him or her any prescribed medicines. Do not allow your pet to scratch or chew at the sutures or bandage. An Elizabethan collar—also known as an “e” collar—may be necessary to prevent your pet from chewing the wound. You will also need to check the cast or surgical site daily. If you notice any of the following signs, contact your veterinarian immediately:
- Swelling of the limb or surgical site
- Skin rash or pressure sores (red, blistered, or raw areas)
- Unusual smell or leakage from the surgical site
- Your cat seems uncomfortable
You’ll also want to monitor your cat’s behavior, appetite, and water intake. If any of these seem unusual—for example, if your cat seems strangely tired or agitated—again, contact your veterinarian.
At the end of the cage rest period, your cat may need an additional period of continued exercise restriction. After the exercise restriction period is over, you will get instructions on how to gradually increase your cat’s allowed activity level.
Physical therapy, including massage, may also be helpful to your cat’s recovery and may be prescribed.
Follow Up
It is critical to keep all of your pet’s recommended follow-up appointments so that your veterinarian can monitor your pet’s progress. If sutures were used, your veterinarian may need to remove them. If a cast was placed, your veterinarian will want to check it periodically and eventually remove it. Radiographs (x-rays) or other tests may be scheduled to assess healing.
Keeping Your Caged Cat—and Yourself—Sane
It’s hard to know whether cage rest is harder on the cat or on the owner. Keeping your cat confined can be difficult, but no matter how “sad” or how much “better” he or she seems to be, it is vitally important to follow all the instructions you get from your veterinarian. You can make the time go faster for your pet by keeping him or her occupied with plenty of toys and an occasional low-calorie treat; turning on a radio or television for “company” when no one is home can also help. Daily grooming can also be a welcome distraction for some cats. If your cat craves company, keeping the crate in a high-traffic area where there is plenty of activity can be another way to keep him or her entertained. If your pet is shy or nervous, you might want to keep the crate in a quiet room to reduce stress.
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