TL;DR: A plantigrade stance occurs when a cat walks on their heels instead of their toes, often signaling an underlying issue like diabetic neuropathy. While not always an immediate emergency, you should schedule a veterinary exam within 24 to 48 hours and bring a video of the behavior to help with diagnosis.
What is a plantigrade stance in cats and what causes it?
Normally, cats are digitigrade, meaning they walk on their toes with their heels (hocks) elevated. When a cat begins walking on their back ankles or heels, it is referred to as a plantigrade stance. This change in posture is often a physical manifestation of nerve damage, muscle weakness, or a metabolic imbalance that prevents the hind legs from supporting the cat's weight correctly.
Is it an emergency if my cat is walking on their back ankles?
- Urgency Level: The urgency for this condition is considered Medium.
- Timing: You should schedule a veterinary appointment within the next 24 to 48 hours to address the underlying medical issue, most commonly diabetic neuropathy.
- Immediate Care: Seek veterinary attention sooner if the stance is accompanied by an inability to move the legs or signs of extreme pain.
How can a photo or video help my vet diagnose my cat's walking posture?
- Overcome Adrenaline: The stress of a vet visit often triggers an adrenaline rush that may cause a cat to temporarily walk normally in the exam room.
- Home Environment: Providing a clear photo or video of your cat walking at home allows the vet to observe their gait when they are relaxed.
- Diagnostic Accuracy: Visual evidence allows the vet to see the exact degree of the drop in the hock, leading to a faster and more accurate diagnosis.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
I am sorry, but the provided excerpts discuss lameness in cattle, not cats. Therefore, I cannot provide information about cats walking on their back ankles.
Chapter: Lameness
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1067)