My cat fell. Why is she limping and struggling to jump a month later?

Yes, he will continue to improve over time. Luckily cats heal well with orthopedic injuries. Let him rest if he wants to and I would discourage jumping for another month so he won't injury the area again since it's not fully healed. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Chippy.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Based on the x-rays, I do not see any immediate concerning changes. However, on the right leg where the elbow is, it appears that there may be an increased density (bone sclerosis) of what we call the cortical bone. This may indicate early disease or something is beginning to affect the bone. I would recommend providing adequate rest for her for the next 4 weeks as well as give an anti-inflammatory to reduce any inflammation / pain she may be experiencing. I would recheck the x-rays in 4 weeks to see if there has been any change with the bone. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further!

If the lameness has persisted for 3 weeks and you notice that there is a difference in the shape of the shoulder area and leg position, I fear that the injury could be more serious than a sprain. Muscle injuries normally recover in 4-5 days of rest and antinflammatories. I would recommend to have him reassessed, there is a medication that can be given at home prior to the visit to help with the stress, I would ask your vet. Hope this helps !

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It sounds like Squeaks probably strained a muscle, tendon, or ligament, but a fracture of some kind cannot be ruled-out without a proper exam and radiographs. Since you are already on your way to have her examined by a veterinarian, you are taking the correct measures to ensure her well-being. Without knowing the specific circumstances, it is difficult to give advice on what to do for baths, if that is what you were trying to do. Be up front and honest with the vet, and ask them if they have any pointers for handling the situation in the future. I hope this helps and that Squeaks gets better soon!

I'm glad Panda returned home! Limping is a sign of pain in cats, and if she can't jump onto the sofa, then I suspect she may have an injury to her spine, hips, or back legs. Muscle wastage and weakness in her back legs is serious as well. I would take her into a vet immediately. The vet can do a physical exam, blood tests, a urinalysis, and a lameness exam to determine what is causing her symptoms, and how to treat them. She could have gotten hit by a car while missing, or attacked by another animal. Please take her into the vet now.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Based on the information you have provided, and the attached pictures, I am also very concerned that Sprinkles may have sustained significant trauma, causing her to be non-weightbearing lame on her left hind leg. Whether she was hit by a car or potentially fell and injured her leg, it sounds like she is in a significant amount of pain. She also looks like she has abraded skin (a wound) on that leg as well, which is at risk of becoming infected. I recommend having her seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible to have her injuries addressed. He/she will perform a full physical exam to localize her pain and determine if she has other, more life-threatening injuries such as damage to her chest or abdomen. X-rays may be indicated if a fracture is suspected. Ultimately, pain medication and antibiotics can be prescribed to help ease her pain and prevent infection. Importantly, NEVER give pain medication that is intended for humans to your pet, as these can be fatally toxic. I hope this is helpful!

I'm sorry Shadow is limping! No, it's not likely the vet injured her during the first visit. When we do a lameness exam, yes we do manipulate the legs but not enough to cause injury. If she does have spinal issues, it does make sense that she will show varying degrees of limping at times. I'd recommend having x-rays done on her spine to see if she is suffering from spinal problems. Unfortunately, kidney failure is very common in senior cats. It can be managed symptomatically, but it cannot be cured.