TL;DR: A cat refusing to put weight on its leg is in significant pain and requires a veterinary exam within 24 hours, or immediate emergency care if the limb is cold, dragging, or if the cat is vocalizing.
What does it mean if my cat is not putting weight on its leg?
If your cat is completely avoiding using their left hind leg, it indicates a high level of discomfort or a structural inability to support their weight. This condition is often caused by:
- Physical trauma
- A deep puncture wound leading to an abscess
- A sudden orthopedic injury such as a ligament tear or fracture
When does my cat need to see a vet for a leg injury?
A cat refusing to put weight on a limb is in pain and requires a professional examination. Follow these urgency guidelines:
- Schedule a visit with your veterinarian within 24 hours for standard lameness.
- Monitor for severe signs like the limb dragging or feeling cold to the touch.
- Visit an emergency clinic immediately if your cat is crying out in pain.
How does sending a photo help my vet triage my cat's injury?
Providing your vet with a photo or a short video is incredibly helpful for remote triage. Visual evidence helps the medical team in the following ways:
- Allows the team to look for swelling or abnormal angles.
- Helps identify hidden wounds, like bite marks, that might be obscured by fur.
- Enables the team to prioritize your appointment based on the visible severity of the injury.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
When a cat refuses to put weight on its left hind leg, a thorough lameness examination is warranted, assessing the limb from distal to proximal. Palpate bones, joints, and soft tissues, noting any swelling, pain, instability, crepitation, reduced range of motion, or muscle atrophy. Observe the cat's stance and gait for abnormalities such as a shortened stride on the affected side or a dropped head during weight bearing. Serial examinations before and after exercise may be necessary for subtle lameness. Diagnostic imaging, including radiography, ultrasonography, CT, or MRI, may be required to determine the underlying cause. Sedation may be necessary for fractious animals to facilitate palpation, radiography, and arthrocentesis.
Chapter: Cardiology, Emergency
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 127)