My cat fell and won't put weight on his back leg. Is it a sprain?

It could be Chauncey has broken his leg, but I can't say that for sure without seeing him in person and doing x-rays. You need to take him into a vet today, as he is in a lot of pain if he won't put any weight on his back foot. Please take him into a vet immediately.

Poor Spooky! I would be very concerned that he has done something serious to his leg if he has been limping for a couple of days, there's swelling, and jumps on three legs. Cats can be very good at hiding their pain, so he is likely in more pain than he lets on. He could have a broken bone, but he could also have a sprain or a torn ligament. He does have to see a vet for this as soon as possible, so take Spooky in first thing Tuesday. Keep him as quiet as possible, and do NOT give him any human pain medications. Many are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. The vet can prescribe him safe pain medications as needed.

Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. While it's *possible* that Ernie has a mild injury like a sprain, in all truthfulness a minor sprain wouldn't usually cause a cat to act as lethargic as you described with Ernie. Cats are pretty good at getting around on 3 legs, so usually with a sprain or similar minor injury, they're just as active as ever but simply put less weight on the sore leg. If he's sleeping an unusually large amount, and eating less than usual, that sounds to me like he's feeling ill. My biggest concern in a kitty who spends time outside and is now lethargic and has a sore leg, would be a bite wound, usually from another cat - they can be very sneaky and hard to find until the resulting infection flares up. It would be worth having Ernie seen by your vet if he doesn't seem back to his usual self tomorrow. Hope this helps!

Yes could definitively be a soft tissue injury, which probably will improve even without specific treatment but only with complete rest. If signs are not resolving in 48 hours I would recommend a check up as some anti-inflammatory and pain relief treatment will be necessary.

The chance that there is a blood clot contributing to these clinical signs is very unlikely. Typically, when something like this happens, your cat would be in absolutely uncontrollable pain, screaming and crying like nothing you have every heard. You might also notice that the feet and limbs are noticeable cold. This doesn't sound like the case. In all likelihood, Autumn simply sprained or strained something and is now experiencing some discomfort as a result. One other cause of shifting or sporadic lameness in the limbs are tick borne diseases such as Lyme disease. While these are far more common in dogs, they can definitely occur in cats as well. Depending on your geographic region, the type of tick borne diseases that are most common will vary considerably. Hope this makes sense. Get Autumn into the vet for some examination if the symptoms don't subside in the next day or so. Just don't try and give any over the counter pain medication at home as there are none that are safe for cats.

Hi there. So sorry that Noogie hurt his leg! Cats rarely just sprain/strain a limb like dogs do. If they are limping usually they are significantly injured. I would recommend taking him in for an exam and x-ray. If you choose to watch him just make sure he stays inside! Make sure he is eating and drinking normally and using the litter box. Whatever you do - DO NOT- give him any over the counter medications like tylenol or aspirin!!! Cats are extremely sensitive to these medications and can die if given them. If he is no better in a few days then definitely take him in for an exam. I hope this helps. Best wishes! Dr. Amber

That is possible or a dislocation or some trauma to the soft tissues. Either or which is painful. I would recommend your kitty be seen for an xray, treatment plan, and pain medication. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!