My cat's back legs are swollen and she's howling. Is it an emergency?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. If you are able to get to a veterinarian right now, I would do so. Waiting until the morning would mean that she is in a lot of pain until then. If you get her seen right now, she can receive appropriate pain medication to help relieve this discomfort. This may be a fractured bone and not having any pain medications until the morning would mean that she is in extreme discomfort until then. I would recommend having her seen as soon as possible so that she is not in pain. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

This not being able to walk on her back legs isn't normal, and it's a medical emergency. Kitty has to see a vet now. This lump could be a post-op complication like a seroma. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. I would strongly recommend having him seen by a veterinarian sooner rather than later. I am worried that he may have thrown a blood clot to his back legs causing paralysis. This is known as a saddle thrombus and can be quite painful and serious. This is typically due to heart disease. The sooner he is seen the better. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

You should take her to an out of hours vet or Pet ER today. Your vet;s office should have emergency information on their answering machine. In the UK all veterinarians have to provide an out of hours service, be it themselves or via referral to another veterinary clinic. This is obviously a painful condition which should be addressed today.

Poor Cleopatra! There appears to be a wound on the leg and the swelling is likely related to that. Concerns are an abscess, fracture, cellulitis or puncture wound. All of these require care by the veterinarian. At home you can restrict her activity since the more she walks on it, the worse it may get. You may also try applying a cool (not cold) compress but this is unlikely to fix the problem but may give some temporary relief of pain. Cleopatra needs to see her veterinarian today ideally for pain medication and treatment. I hope she starts feeling better quickly and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Oh no, poor Belis! It is certainly possible that her leg is broken, but it could also be sprained or infected from an animal bite if she's allowed outside. She has to see a vet for this, so I would bring her into one right away. Given that it's really swollen and she's been walking around with a limp limb for three to four days, medical attention is required now. Please bring her into an ER vet or find a vet on call to see her now.

Poor kitty! Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do for him at home except keep him calm, warm, and quiet. Do not give him any human medications, as many are toxic to cats and can be fatal if given. He needs veterinary attention immediately, and there is usually a vet on call after hours for emergencies. The information to reach a vet on call is usually found on the clinic's answering machine or website. If transportation is an issue, I would call a friend to drive you or a cab to take you. Uber may be an option as well. If paying for a vet is an issue, I can give you a list of resources that may help you afford a vet. You can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ The Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization that provides financial assistance to cat and kitten guardians who are unable to afford veterinary services to save their companions when life-threatening illness or injury strikes.
 God's Creatures Ministry helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help.
 The Onyx & Breezy Foundation has many programs including helping people with medical bills. They are a good resource for information.
 Brown Dog Foundation provides funding to families with a sick pet that would likely respond to treatment, but due to circumstances, there is not enough money immediately available to pay. Please take him into a vet immediately, this is a medical emergency and he needs veterinary care now.