Joint Problem or something else?

[z-z-cat]

Let me say first that I have had my cat Zuzu to the vet twice in the past month about my concern. She seems to have transient pain either in her back legs or lower back. When petted sometimes, she scrunches her butt down, and squats her hind legs like it hurts and is trying to avoid the pressure. About a month after this started happening, she seemed to develop some pain in her front right leg, so that she hesitated putting her foot down. This happened for a day or two,then went away. She has also done something twice which is quite odd - she goes and just sits cuddled down in the middle of her litter box - no distress, or meowing, just holes up in there for a bit. Sometimes she seems fine - runs around, plays, jumps etc. I have noticed her sleeping a bit more. still, she eats and drinks fine, her toilet habits are okay. However, she will not allow me to pick he up anymore, and squirms and meows like it may hurt when I do. The vet has put her on cosequin, but this doesn't really seem to be helping. The vet has checked Zuzu out twice and can't find anything really wrong - thinks it could be age related joint issues. I am worried that it could be a tumour of some sort pressing on nerves randomly - is this possible? Should I insist on an X-ray, or other diagnostic to rule this out? Anyone run across something like this with their pet? I really miss my kitty cuddles I used to get when I pick her up. I am a new member of this forum, so many thanks in advance for any thoughts you may have.

[otter]

Originally Posted by z-z-cat

Let me say first that I have had my cat Zuzu to the vet twice in the past month about my concern. She seems to have transient pain either in her back legs or lower back. When petted sometimes, she scrunches her butt down, and squats her hind legs like it hurts and is trying to avoid the pressure. About a month after this started happening, she seemed to develop some pain in her front right leg, so that she hesitated putting her foot down. This happened for a day or two,then went away. She has also done something twice which is quite odd - she goes and just sits cuddled down in the middle of her litter box - no distress, or meowing, just holes up in there for a bit. Sometimes she seems fine - runs around, plays, jumps etc. I have noticed her sleeping a bit more. still, she eats and drinks fine, her toilet habits are okay. However, she will not allow me to pick he up anymore, and squirms and meows like it may hurt when I do. The vet has put her on cosequin, but this doesn't really seem to be helping. The vet has checked Zuzu out twice and can't find anything really wrong - thinks it could be age related joint issues. I am worried that it could be a tumour of some sort pressing on nerves randomly - is this possible? Should I insist on an X-ray, or other diagnostic to rule this out? Anyone run across something like this with their pet? I really miss my kitty cuddles I used to get when I pick her up. I am a new member of this forum, so many thanks in advance for any thoughts you may have.

I don't have much experience but, sounds like x-rays would be a good next step or try a second opinion from another vet (most vets don't mind at all that you do this)

[rainbow]

Originally Posted by z-z-cat

The vet has put her on cosequin, but this doesn't really seem to be helping. The vet has checked Zuzu out twice and can't find anything really wrong - thinks it could be age related joint issues. I am worried that it could be a tumour of some sort pressing on nerves randomly - is this possible? Should I insist on an X-ray, or other diagnostic to rule this out?

Did your vet do a complete blood panel on her?

[sugarcatmom]

Hi z-z-cat, welcome to the forum.

Originally Posted by z-z-cat

Let me say first that I have had my cat Zuzu to the vet twice in the past month about my concern.

How old is Zuzu? And like rainbow, I'm also wondering what tests the vet did when you brought her in (urinalysis? blood work?).

Originally Posted by z-z-cat

The vet has put her on cosequin, but this doesn't really seem to be helping.

What dose/type of Coesequin? Usually, the vet prescribes a loading dose (2 caps a day) for about the first 6 weeks, then it drops down to a maintenance dose of 1 cap/day. You often won't see results until around a month to 2 months.

Originally Posted by z-z-cat

Should I insist on an X-ray, or other diagnostic to rule this out?

I would. X-rays can be very helpful in either identifying or ruling out various issues like arthritis. I would also make sure a senior wellness check is done if there hasn't been a recent one. If it does turn out to be arthritis, there are a number of additional things you could try, such as Omega-3 EFAs, MSM, green-lipped mussel, acupuncture, pain killers, orthopedic pet-beds, heating pads, etc.

http://www.catclinicofroswell.net/me...ml?handoutid=8

Good luck, and do keep us updated on how Zuzu is doing.

[z-z-cat]

Hi, thanks for your kind replies. Zuzu is the same, but I think we'll be going back to the vet next week (they're closed right now).

Answers to your questions: No tests have been done - she has a habit of behaving quite normally when at the vet. I think I will insist on some blood work and an Xray. She has been on Cosequin for 40 days at the 2 capsule doseage. I will continue with it to see if she's just a slow responder. Zuzu is almost 10 years old, and has been pretty youthful and feisty up until about the end of November. Now she seems to be less involved, but the weather hasn't been great, so she may be a little cabin feverish.

Will let you know how things evolve. Cross your fingers.

[Dr Lee]

Originally Posted by z-z-cat

... think I will insist on some blood work and an Xray...

I would add a few other tests onto the list. (If money is a concern, then considering doing them one step at a time)

1) Complete Urinalysis - kidney and bladder inflammation can sometime look clinically similar to back or rear limb pain.

2) Urine culture and sensitivity. While a little more pricey, a urinalysis can often miss a kidney or bladder infection. Why not just skip the urinalysis and just do the culture? Because kidney and bladder stones and crystaluria, liver and kidney problems, toxins, and other diseases can be seen on a urinalysis.

3) Blood pressure. High blood pressure is common in middle aged cats and can show clinically like generalized or localized pain or general 'not feeling right'.

4) On the blood work, I would recommend that the panel include thyroid levels along with all the basics.


Good luck.

[growler~GateKeeper]

In your profile you mention Zuzu has mild chronic pancreatitis - when was the last full blood panel done to check on the progress of the pancreatitis?

http://www.peteducation.com/article....1+1329&aid=334
Cats often show a fever, increase heart rate, abdominal pain, lethargy, and loss of appetite.