Behavior of cats after sterilization. Care of a cat after sterilization

Sometimes pet lovers are faced with this situation: the cat was denied hind legs. Paralysis or paresis of limbs neurological symptom serious pathologies of the body. Their list is very diverse and affects a variety of organs and systems. On the early stages this condition may be reversible. Therefore, if a cat drags its paw, contacting the veterinarian early will greatly increase the chance of recovery. It is hoped that the animal will eventually feel the joy of movement again. From this article, you will learn what to do if the hind legs are paralyzed at the pet, why this can happen and how to help the cat at home.

If the cat's hind legs have failed, it is quite difficult to find out the reasons for this. There is a belief that almost all diseases can cause complications and forced restriction of movement.

If the cat does not walk, it can be difficult to distinguish between paw paralysis and severe pain that occurs during movement. Perhaps he, experiencing pain when walking, simply refuses to make efforts, as they bring additional discomfort. The causes of severe pain in the back or abdominal cavity can be the following ailments:

urolithiasis disease;
tumor diseases;
inflammation of the organs of the urinary and reproductive systems;
intestinal obstruction.

A distinctive feature of these diseases is that the cat's paws completely retain sensitivity, and nerve conduction is not impaired.

The main causes of the disease

The main causes of partial or complete paralysis of the hind legs are the following pathologies:

consequences of spinal injuries and traumatic injuries spinal cord;
dropping out intervertebral disc;
inflammatory diseases of the spinal cord;
arterial thromboembolism;
fibrocartilaginous embolism;
beriberi and violation of potassium metabolism;
dysplasia hip joint;
cardiomyopathy and fibrosis of the heart muscle;
consequences of a stroke;
alimentary hyperthyroidism;
effects of ixodid tick bites.

Consequences of injuries of the spine and spinal cord

In a cat with a fracture, dislocation of the spine, severe bruising of the spinal cord, a post-traumatic reaction often occurs - the hind legs are taken away. Paralysis of the paws can be accompanied by pain shock, loss of consciousness, incontinence of feces and urine. With proper treatment and the absence of complications, the condition of the animal is usually reversible and after the restoration of nerve conduction, the sensitivity gradually returns.

Such serious pathologies are treated in most cases in the clinic by surgery. Additionally, the doctor prescribes anti-inflammatory, healing and painkillers (Traumeel, Milgamma, Baralgin).

Herniated disc

A herniated disc is a protrusion of a disc between the vertebral bodies. It is characterized by pain, muscle tension and limitation of movement. In severe cases, a herniated disc can cause compression of blood vessels, nerve roots and spinal cord, which gradually deteriorates conductivity. Because of this, the innervation of the limbs is disturbed, and they can be taken away.

If a cat's legs are paralyzed due to this disease, then painkillers, muscle relaxants that relieve severe muscle spasms, decongestants, and vitamins that improve the condition of nerve fibers are prescribed as treatment.

Inflammation of the spinal cord

Inflammation of the spinal cord (myelitis) can be caused by injuries, complications of infections, helminthic invasions, poisoning with toxic substances. Such pathologies are usually accompanied by disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, severe fever, feelings of anxiety and fear, nausea and vomiting. In addition, the cat's hind legs gradually fail. With myelitis, the condition is usually reversible and after the inflammation is removed, the limbs of the animal regain sensitivity over time.

Treatment consists in the appointment of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants. good effect provide physiotherapy.

Arterial thromboembolism

The cat does not feel bloodless limbs, gradually they become cold. The animal screams in pain, refuses to eat and drink, prefers to be in dark places. The disease often has an unfavorable prognosis, since the probability of a cure is very low. But in rare cases, with early diagnosis and proper treatment, the disease recedes.

If the sensitivity is at least slightly preserved and there is hope, then the animal is given a paw massage, anticoagulants (reducing blood clotting) agents, and physiotherapy procedures are prescribed.

Fibrocartilaginous embolism

Fibrocartilaginous embolism occurs when a thrombus clogs the vessels of the spinal cord. Exsanguinated tissues gradually necrotic. Severe pain syndrome is replaced total absence sensitivity. In the future, the cat's front and hind legs fail. If the blockage of the vessel is incomplete, then the paralysis of the limbs will be partial and then a cure is possible. The main tactics of treatment is the appointment of anticoagulants and physiotherapy.

Avitaminosis and violation of potassium metabolism

A lack of vitamins and minerals in the body that affect the condition of the limbs and their functions can cause paralysis or paresis of the paws. The probable cause of beriberi is helminthiasis or poor cat diet. Especially dangerous is the lack of vitamins A and B1. Absence sunlight can lead to vitamin D deficiency and, as a result, to rickets, which is more common in a kitten. With paresis, a lack of potassium in the body is often diagnosed.

Avitaminosis and micronutrient deficiencies can be easily eliminated. After deworming, restoring a full diet and a course of vitamin therapy, the cat will regain the ability to move independently.

hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is congenital pathology joint development, which greatly increases the likelihood of subluxations and dislocations of the head femur. The disease develops as a result of a genetic predisposition or malformations of intrauterine development. Young animals are more susceptible to it. There is also a breed predisposition (Maine Coon cats are more likely to get sick).

This disease is not associated with loss of sensation and paralysis. The animal cannot walk due to a malformation of the joint. The main symptoms of the disease are:

limb weakness;
inability to jump;
falling to the side of the diseased joint, frequent falls;
staggering gait.

The therapy consists in the fact that the cat is restricted in movement in order to reduce the load on sore paws and special feeds containing glucosamine and chondroetin are prescribed, as a building material for the cartilaginous tissue of the joints.

Cardiomyopathy and fibrosis of the heart muscle

Cardiomyopathy is a group of myocardial diseases caused by dystrophic and sclerotic changes in heart cells - cardiomyocytes. It often leads to thickening of the walls of the heart and a decrease in the volume of the ventricles, due to which the heart pumps a smaller volume of blood. The animal begins oxygen starvation. Main symptoms:

dyspnea;
decreased motor activity;
cough and vomiting;
refusal to eat.

Paralysis of the hind legs is not characteristic of cardiomyopathy, but as a secondary disease, thromboembolism can develop, which is the direct cause of paralysis. In addition, the cat is often unable to move due to severe weakness.

Cardiomyopathy can be a form of fibrosis of the heart muscle. Fibrosis is the proliferation of connective tissue and the appearance of scars on organs. Fibrosis of the heart is an irreversible process. The main goal of therapy is to stop the development of the process and treat the underlying ailment.

The main drugs used for cardiomyopathy are beta-blockers (Atenolol, Propranolol); calcium channel blockers (Diltiazem), which relieve the load on the heart muscle.

Consequences of a stroke

A stroke in cats can be accompanied by a number of symptoms, including paralysis of not only the limbs, but also other parts of the body. For example, dysfunction of swallowing and breathing. In addition, loss of consciousness, disorientation, shock states. It depends on how quickly medical assistance is provided, whether it will be possible to save the animal. In severe cases, paralysis of all muscles is possible. The sooner improvement occurs, the better the prognosis for recovery.

Alimentary hyperparathyroidism

The disease is a metabolic disorder in which, due to an unbalanced diet, the body develops a lack of calcium, vitamin D and an increased content of phosphorus. As a result, the parathyroid gland secretes too much a large number of the so-called parathyroid hormone. The main symptoms of hyperparathyroidism relate to the structure and functions of the limbs, including:

lameness;
bone deformity;
pathological fractures;
strong pain;
convulsions of the hind limbs.

The cat's legs move apart when walking, and, in the end, she gives up trying to walk.

The main treatment is to limit the ability of the cat to move and switch to a complete diet that compensates for the deficiency of important trace elements. The prognosis is usually favorable, after recovery, the feeling of numbness of the legs gradually disappears.

Consequences of tick bites

Numerous bites of ixodid ticks are very dangerous for cats. They carry many dangerous diseases: piroplasmosis, tularemia, encephalitis. Not the last place is occupied by tick-borne paralysis.

Tick paralysis occurs when insects are poisoned with toxins, if several individuals attacked the animal at once. The main symptoms: agitated state, anxiety, which turns into apathy and indifference. At this stage, paralysis of the limbs may also occur. Treatment is effective only in the early stages of the disease.

To protect the animal, it is necessary to periodically treat it with special drops from ticks. In addition, you need to know the method of getting rid of a stuck tick on your own if medical assistance is not available:

Treat the area where the insect has stuck, lubricate it with an airtight liquid (oil, cream). A choking tick will significantly weaken the grip.
Using tweezers and a magnifying glass, first remove the head, and then, in pairs, the legs of the insect from the skin.
Lubricate the tick again with oil, and, after a while, using a loop made of a thin thread, pull out the insect. Treat a bleeding wound to a cat.

Diagnosis of paralysis of the paws

If the initial examination is not enough to determine the cause of paw paralysis, then the following diagnostic methods are used:

determination of neurological reactions;
x-ray of the spine and affected limbs;
Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity;
detailed analysis of blood and urine;
taking smears for bacteriological analysis;
MRI and CT of areas of the body where pathology is suspected (spine, abdomen, brain);
determining the level of sensitivity of the affected limbs.

Restorative home treatments for paralysis of the paws

If the cat's hind legs have failed, daily restorative procedures will be useful to him. The owner may well deal with the pet on their own at home.

Paw massage should be done 5 to 7 times a day. For 10-15 minutes, massage the limbs with light but intense movements. This will help restore the conductivity of nerve impulses, and will not allow the muscles to atrophy.
Very helpful physiotherapy in the form of forced flexion and extension of the limbs.
You can imitate walking with the help of a kind of walker, which can be made from a wide towel passed under the cat's belly. Supporting the animal in this way, it is necessary to provoke him to rearrange his paws on his own. If it is difficult for him, you can help with your hands.
Swimming gives very good results if the cat is not afraid of water. Once in a pond or bath, the animal involuntarily moves its paws, trying to swim, while the owner holds it under its stomach. It is noticed that the cure after a course of such exercises comes much faster.
Tickling paws will help the owner to feel the moment when the animal begins to feel them, in response to irritation.
Ball exercises are effective. The cat is placed on a ball of suitable size. Her paws, hanging down, should almost touch the floor, so that when she skates, she seems to stand on them.

If the treatment of the cat did not bring the expected effect, and she still drags her hind legs, then you should not euthanize the animal. There is a way out in this case too. There are specialized wheelchairs for cats that perform the functions of limbs. Having mastered, the cat will be able to move quite quickly on such a stroller without the help of the owner. The quality of life of the animal when using such a device remains quite high.

Increasingly, owners are asking themselves the question: “Should I sterilize a cat?” And this approach is more correct than using hormonal contraceptives or a complete rejection of the regulation of sexual hunting. The fact is that drugs have a negative effect on cat health, can lead to various tumors, etc. And in the second case, there is a threat that the animal will become pregnant several times a year. Sterilized cats walk and do not bring any offspring. The operation once and for all removes all questions and problems.

Preparing for the operation

There is nothing tricky here. The animal must not eat for 12 hours and not drink for 4 hours before surgery. This is due to the fact that the operation is carried out under That's all the preparation. Pets older than 8 months can be sterilized. In this case, there will be no complications. It is optimal to carry out the operation even before the first mating or the first desire. A month before the procedure, it is advisable to get vaccinated to protect the pet from possible complications and infections. When produced required within 1-2 weeks.

Transportation home

How does a cat leave after sterilization? Sometimes animals become too excited, active and restless. They can start jumping and running around the apartment and room. No need to worry - it will pass soon. Moreover, you should not try to catch up with your pet, it is better to leave her alone.

As soon as the cat begins to recover, she tries to remove the collar or blanket. However, you shouldn't let her do that. After a couple of days, she will get used to it, and protective equipment will not cause her any inconvenience.

Cat care at home. Feeding

Appetite returns to the animal within two days after the operation. What to feed a cat after sterilization? Just like before her. Within a few days, the pet will begin to eat in the same volumes as before the operation. If this does not happen on the 5th day, then this is a sign of ill health. It is recommended to consult a veterinarian.

You need to feed little by little, as soon as the pet has a desire to eat. However, if vomiting occurs, then you need to wait a few more hours with food. To avoid problems with the collar, the diameter of the bowl should be smaller. The cup must be placed at a height of 3-6 cm.

Management of natural needs

In the early days, urination becomes less frequent and less in volume. However, with the restoration of appetite, everything should return to normal.

Cats often become constipated after spaying. If the animal does not go to the toilet for more than three days, you need to give him a laxative. In the nearest veterinary pharmacy, you can purchase various preparations based on paraffin oil or other products. After the first chair should improve.

Temperature rise

During the first 5 days after the operation, such phenomena as lethargy, weakness or, conversely, excessive activity are possible. Fluctuations in body temperature can also be observed with an increase in it to 39.5 degrees. This is not due to infection, but to tissue damage and healing. This is a normal reaction of the body. Painkillers will significantly improve the well-being of the pet. However, if the temperature is too high or persists for a week or more, you should consult a doctor.

Use of protective equipment

What to wear on a cat, each owner decides for himself. Regardless of the choice, one condition must be observed: the pet must wear a collar or blanket. It is necessary to ensure that they are clean and, most importantly, intact, since their main purpose is to protect against licking. However, an animal can make them unusable in a few days. The behavior of cats after sterilization is characterized by an increased interest in the seam. In this case, the devices mentioned above will have to be replaced. It is important to protect the seams from the cat's tongue, otherwise they may disperse and become inflamed.

It is necessary to ensure that the blanket and collar sit tight enough so that the animal cannot remove them, but at the same time the cat should be comfortable. The straps and collar are easily adjustable. As a rule, protective equipment can be removed already for 7-10 days. It is better to wear longer, because sometimes the seams seize slowly in cats.

Anesthesia

The most difficult period is immediately after the operation and within two days. These days it is desirable to give painkillers. It can be both injections and tablets (when the swallowing function is restored). However, special feline medicines should be given, not human ones! Painkillers will not only make the life of the pet easier, but will also allow her to feel much better, her appetite will return earlier, the temperature will not rise much. The postoperative syndrome itself will be much less pronounced.

If the behavior of cats after sterilization does not differ from the usual, then this item can be excluded from therapeutic measures. However, in most cases it is required.

Seam healing

Immediately after the operation, a few drops of blood or ichor may come out of the incision. reddened and filled with blood. This is a normal reaction. As a rule, after a couple of days, the swelling subsides, the incision stops getting wet. If the condition of the seam does not improve, then this is an occasion to consult a doctor.

Seam processing

This event becomes mandatory from the second day after the operation. It is carried out every other day, preferably daily, an hour after taking painkillers. The task of this event is to antimicrobial treatment of the seam. To do this, a cotton swab is wetted in chlorhexidine, and all the smallest folds are cleaned with it. Hair and discharge should be removed from the incision. Finally, the wound can be treated with a swab with Levomekol ointment. Usually the course of healing is 10 days. The easiest way to clean the seams is with two people: one person puts the cat on its hind legs, and the second one processes it.

Additional drugs

If the operation was successful, and the animal itself is healthy, then it does not require additional drug treatment. However, the following groups of drugs may be needed:

Antibiotics. As a rule, one injection is given during the operation. This is necessary to prevent infection. They may be needed if the animal licks the seam. But in this case, the recovery process will be delayed for another 2-3 weeks.
Vitamins are given to debilitated cats if they do not feel well in the postoperative period.
Hemostatic agents will be needed for poor blood clotting, if blood constantly oozes from the suture.
Anti-infective serum is useful if the owner decided to leave the pet for recovery period in

Sterilization of cats. Care after surgery in a veterinary clinic

Many animal hospitals already offer post-surgery hospital services. You can place a cat there both for 1 day and for 10 - until complete recovery. Depending on your wishes and financial position hosts. AT veterinary clinic the animal is guaranteed competent care, but, on the other hand, it will not see the owners, which will not have a very favorable effect on its mood.

pros

This placement has a number of advantages and disadvantages.

if the owner is in a hurry to work or on business, he does not need to spend time transporting the animal to the house and on a set of primary measures;
no need to take a pet somewhere that has not yet recovered from anesthesia;
in the clinic they know exactly what to feed the cat after sterilization;
you don’t have to give injections and give pills on your own or take your pet to the veterinarian for procedures every day;
often animals are aggressive; the owner does not have to experience it for himself;
the responsibility for the operation and the recovery period falls entirely on the shoulders of doctors, experts are well aware of the behavior of cats after sterilization;
in some cases, if the cat has health problems, she needs specialized medical care;
the hospital is especially convenient for sterilization of stray cats.

Minuses

the cat will have double stress: from the operation itself and from a change in living conditions;
not every clinic has really responsible doctors, so it is possible that the pet may be “forgotten” and not carried out necessary procedures in time. This question needs to be further clarified with the owners of other patients;
a cat can be very offended that the owner abandoned it in a difficult situation;
the possibility of contracting a viral infection is not ruled out;
keeping in a veterinary clinic is quite expensive.

And finally. If a sterilized cat yells, then this is a reason to see a doctor. Complications are not excluded. If this happens in the first weeks after the operation, then this is a simple consequence of the setting of the hormonal background. Does a spayed cat ask for a cat? No. After the operation, there will be no problems with her screams and marks.

If something is wrong with the health of a pet, it always causes serious concern for the owner. It is important to know the reasons why the cat's hind legs fail, and to imagine what measures must be taken to restore the normal state of the animal. Without a visit to the veterinarian in such a situation is simply not enough.

Delay quite often can cost a cat its life, which is why even a slight disturbance in gait, and even more so paralysis of the hind limbs, require urgent treatment. How longer treatment delayed, the greater the risk that paw mobility will not be restored, or even that the pet will die.

Signs that paws fail

Limbs are not always taken away abruptly, and there are cases when symptoms of movement disorders appear at first, but the animal does not completely lose control of the paws. In such a situation, the owner notices the following manifestations of pathology:

wobbling of the hind limbs - a small kitten who is just starting to walk wobbles for natural reasons and does not need treatment;
the animal uncertainly steps on its hind legs - the cat, before taking the next step, seems to be looking for balance. At the same time, the pet cannot walk quickly;
dragging paws - the cat does not step over the sick paws, but pulls them up without taking them off the floor, from which it begins to seem that she is trying to crawl the way she does during the hunt, sneaking up on the prey. This is usually followed by paralysis;
the cat's hind legs began to move apart - they refuse after that after 2-3 months;
squatting on the hind legs - most often occurs if the cat is already 10 years old or more;
swelling in the pelvic area - may occur if the cat was bitten by a dog;
loss of general mobility and preference for rest over play, even at a young age. Often, when walking, the cat has to be helped.

The appearance of signs that the pet's hind legs are failing should be a reason for an immediate visit to the veterinarian, until the cat's limbs are completely paralyzed, and he does not move around, only leaning on his front paws and dragging his body along the floor.

Causes of limb failure in a cat

There are many reasons for the appearance of impaired mobility in cats. It is almost impossible to independently determine what the hind legs refused. Accurate diagnosis and proper treatment will be prescribed only by a veterinarian, after carrying out the necessary tests and complete examination cat. The failure of the hind legs of a cat is a reason for urgent action.

Experts identify many reasons why the cat's hind legs failed. The movement of a cat can become disturbed for the following reasons.

Spinal injury in the lumbar region. It occurs more often in cats that roam freely on the street and may be hit by a car. There is also a high risk of such damage if the cat fell from a great height onto a hard surface. At home, it is also impossible to completely exclude damage to the spine. With a similar injury in a cat, in addition to the paws, the mobility of the tail is also impaired, as the lumbar spine, which is responsible for the mobility of the entire lower body. General weakness is possible.
Thromboembolism. A dangerous condition that occurs due to blockage femoral artery thrombus. In such a situation, the cat experiences acute pain in the lumbar region and therefore begins to bite this place strongly. She also meows loudly in pain. The paws do not completely fail at first, and the cat only drags them when moving. Soon, as the tissues become necrotic, the paws are completely paralyzed and become cold.
If help is not provided to the cat in the next 2 hours, then in most cases the cat dies in 2-3 days. If the pet has received the necessary therapy, then even a complete restoration of the mobility of the limbs is possible. It is impossible to start treatment on your own.

Traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injury. With such a violation, the cat's paws are taken away and all sensitivity is lost. Gradually, if treatment is not started, tissues begin to atrophy and completely lose their functions. Restoring the mobility of the paws is not always possible, and in some cases the animal needs a wheelchair for normal movement. The device is fastened to the animal in a special way, and the cat, moving with its front paws, moves while the rear part of the body rides on the stroller. The hind legs are raised.
Tick paralysis. Highly dangerous disease, which leads to 100% mortality if treatment is not started within a day after the onset of the first symptoms of the disease. Pathology occurs when bitten by ixodid ticks, which produce special substances poisoning the cat's body. Initially, the animal behaves extremely excited. Then apathy develops and paralysis sets in, paws fail. The cat trembles and reacts poorly to external stimuli. There is a chance to save the cat only if you start treating him at the moment of excitement. If the paws fail, it's too late.
Inflammation of the spinal cord. Myelitis occurs due to infectious lesions, helminthic invasions, poisoning with salts of heavy metals, injuries and autoimmune reactions. In such a situation, in addition to the fact that the paws fail, the cat has a general fever, urinary incontinence and digestive problems. If treatment begins immediately after the onset of symptoms of the disease, then the restoration of limb mobility in a cat is quite possible. In old animals, most often the restoration of mobility is not complete, but satisfactory.
Dysplasia of the hip joint. Large heavy animals, such as Maine Coons, as well as Chartreuse cats, are prone to this disease. With this pathology, there is a violation in the development of the joint. As a result, when moving, the cat experiences severe pain, because of which the gait of the pet changes. The cat walks, winding and uncertainly placing its hind legs, and tries not to jump. If sick animals have to jump onto a bench or chair, they often fall on their side and meow because of the acute pain. Treatment is only supportive.

If there are problems with the limbs, the cat should be immediately shown to the veterinarian. The most likely diagnosis is trauma. Learn how to treat a cat's paws at the veterinarian in detail. Causes of paralysis in cats are varied and the owner should be aware of the main ones.

VETERINARY CONSULTATION REQUIRED. INFORMATION FOR INFORMATION ONLY. Administration