My cat has spreading paralysis after a leg wound. What's wrong?

Question

Hello Petco Pet Education Center I'm Bobby from Indonesia. My 3 years old cat, Becky, got wound on his back leg's nail, and his leg paralyzed 5 days ago, but now all his body is paralyzed and can't even stand. he still can eat or drink but i must help to feed him with spoon or injector. i went to vet and they diagnose it as nerve disease, but we can't sure because there is no MRI for animals. the vet recommend to do acupuncture what is your diagnosis based on this symptoms?and how good is the chance to recover? Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 7.71 lbs

Ann Dion, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello Bobby. I am sorry that Becky is so sick. From your description I would be worried about a few possible causes. If the problem started as a wound from the leg, I would be very concerned about an infection that is spreading. Also, cats can get blood clots that stop the blood flow to the back legs, so if the paralysis is just in the back legs this could be the cause as well. If this is a 'nerve problem', and it is spreading, then it isn't typical of nerve disease. I would be very worried about Becky's chances at survival based on what you are describing. I would talk to your vet about infections and if that seems to be the cause, and pursue bloodwork. You can test for blood flow to the back legs by checking the glucose in the front legs vs. the back legs, and also feel if the back legs are cold to the touch. If they are cold and if the glucose in the back legs is less than that of the front legs, then likely a blood clot to the back legs is present, and you should seriously consider euthanasia as it is a very painful and untreatable condition. If the legs are warm and there is good blood flow, and no infection seems to be present, and Becky seems happy and comfortable otherwise (eating/drinking, no crying, not painful), you can try acupuncture however there aren't good scientific studies about the efficacy of this. I would suggest massaging and frequent range of motion of the back legs, and seeing if return of function occurs. Also, nursing care to ensure Becky is able to urinate and defecate is very important. This is very complicated and without intensive care I worry for Becky's quality of life. You should re-assess with your veterinarian and discuss these options.

My cat has spreading paralysis after a leg wound. What's wrong?

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