1 year old cat with weird hindlimb gait

Re: 1 year old cat with weird hindlimb gait

Noweia — Mon, 02 May 2011 19:07:49 GMT

Would a muscle biopsy be worthwhile?

Re: 1 year old cat with weird hindlimb gait

Holly Lee — Mon, 02 May 2011 11:46:28 GMT

Still ongoing, progressed to stiffness on all 4 limbs but also seems unwell in himself. FIV/FeLV -ve, toxoplasma -ve, lyme dx -ve, ANA -ve, rheumatoid factor -ve. Radiographs normal. Awaiting results of joint fluid analysis but was grossly normal and not excessive amount. CK extremely elevated (2999.0U/l, ref 20-225) which fits with a muscular problem but we're still stumped as to a cause.

He had started to improve and be moving better but seems to have worsened again now. He has been started on steroids following -ve tests for infectious disease in case of an immune mediated problem and following no response to metacam but so far these have made no difference.

Any thoughts...

Am working on uploading a video clip of his movement but waiting for someone more technologically minded to get involved...

Re: 1 year old cat with weird hindlimb gait

Utlendigur — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 20:26:10 GMT

I've very occasionally had clusters of 2-3 of what sound like similar cases within the space of a few weeks - always so far been young/middle age male DSH, usually rural homes and belonged to people with no/limited funds so the workup was limited and none referred. Some have come back with high toxo titres so may be worth treating for that. Dry FIP may be another possibility? but would probably have pyrexia. Some other inflammatory CNS problem? or even a myositis. Borna virus as a wildcard??. I've usually ended up doing biochem, FBC, +/- serology (toxo, FeCo, felv, fiv) +/- xrays and not getting anything significant (bar the toxo ones) - putting them on antirobe +/- preds. Some - including one that was unable to walk or stand - recovered, some just got worse and died.

What are reflexes and muscle tone like? Could the arched back be abdominal pain (specfPL for pancreatitis)? Urine sample just to r/o cysttis?

Re: 1 year old cat with weird hindlimb gait

Andrew Kent — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 20:16:20 GMT

I think your lack of clinical pathology changes make it less likely this is due to a systemic cause.

In terms of neurological exam - what are reflexes like? Anal tone? Cranial nerve exam?

If front end seems 100% normal but hind limb changes then I would be worried re spinal injury - but you're going to be in the territory of needing referral for MRI if that is the case.

FIP can cause spinal lesions in young cats.

Andy

Re: 1 year old cat with weird hindlimb gait

Busybee — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 20:10:16 GMT

If it's like a plantigrade stance, I remember a case when I was at uni of a cat showing these symptoms which had Cushing's disease. I know you can also see it with diabetes. Although I would have thought you'd see more on bloods......! Hmmmm.....