Why is my 3-legged cat dragging his back leg? What should I do?

I'm very concerned about Tigger, and I worry that he may have a serious injury to his back. I'd take him back into the vet this weekend for x-rays. The results of the x-rays may determine further treatment options for him. Best of luck.

Poor CJ! It sounds like he is in pain if he's walking slower, struggling to lay down and get up, and cannot bend to clean himself. I would be concerned that he has a problem with his neck or back. It possible he was injured. My advice is to rest him tonight, and take him into a vet first thing in the morning. The vet can diagnose what is causing his pain, and can treat him for it. The vet can also prescribe pain medication as needed. Please do not give him any human pain medications, many are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. Best of luck.

Poor Tom! Without seeing him I cannot say for sure what he has injured. He could have simply sprained a muscle or broke a toenail. Unfortunately, he could have also broken a bone. I would strongly recommend to have your vet take a look at him. Your vet will be able to localize the pain and take x-rays if needed. They will be able to get him started on pain meds and the proper treatment plan to help him feel better. I hope this helps!

This is an emergency, as your cat could be suffering from a riding thrombus, which is a blood clot that keeps blood flowing from the aorta into the femoral arteries. This is a very painful and life threatening condition. She could also have been a victim of a traffic accident hurting her spinal cord. Please take her to a veterinarian or an emergency room right away. The vet will want to do radiographs and a blood test and your kitty will need treatment depending on the diagnosis today.

While what you describe sounds like there could be some spinal nerve injury, I worry more about more life threatening internal injuries such as perforations, ruptures, etc. I would highly recommend having Gilbert seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible to listen to his lungs, take x-rays, bloodwork, etc. Sometimes the signs of these injuries do not manifest right away, therefore it is very important to catch them before they become worse or potentially fatal. The veterinarian will also be able to do a cursory neurologic examination, check him for other wounds, and give him medication to make him more comfortable. Getting him to an emergency clinic tonight would be ideal and give Gilbert the best chance at a full and speedy recovery.

It could be Shaky is in pain, either from his back or hips. Rest him tonight, keep him indoors if he's allowed outside, and watch him. If he's still acting this way in the morning, have him seen by a vet. Do not give him any human pain medications. Many are toxic to cats, and are fatal if given. Best of luck.

Hi and thanks for posting. If you feel Jasper is experiencing pain in one of his legs, the best thing to do would be to have him evaluated by a veterinarian. Your vet will need to do an exam and may recommend taking x-rays to check for fractures or other injuries to the legs so he can be appropriately treated.