Older cat having problems with hind legs

[chenowith]

My 15 year old male cat, Tigger, is having trouble walking. He was very sick a few weeks ago with Pancreatitis. His back legs were a little weak at the time, but he could still walk. He was at the vet for 2 days. His blood tests came back normal other than the high pancreatic enzymes. No sign of diabetes. When he came home he was on amoxicillan and Flagyl. His back legs have gotten worse. He can no longer walk more than a few steps without his legs giving out on him. He also has some fluid retention in his legs and well as his abdomen. The vet put him on Cosequin, but it didn't really help. He is now on Prednisone. He is also a very large cat, 24 pounds, so the added weight isn't helping him get around. I'm at a loss at to what could be the problem. The vet is sort of stumped, too. His blood work and x-rays keep coming back normal. Has anyone else had this type of problem with their cat?

[Traci]

It could be a multitude of problems either related to or unrelated to the pancreatic attack. I would suggest asking your vet how reliable his blood analyzer is and maybe running the bloodwork through a human lab, especially checking liver and kidney function again. If a thyroid function test was never included, now is the time to do so.

How is your vet treating the pancreatitis? Is kitty eating/drinking sufficiently? Is he suffering from vomiting/dehydration? What is this fluid retention you're referring to, did your vet rule out the cause of the edema? If there is abdominal fluid present, he needs to get a handle on this immediately and rule out the source (i.e., infection, hemmorhage, fluid around vital organs, etc). Was an x-ray or heart work-up ever done?

If you feel your vet isn't doing enough, or if he's stumped, it's his obligation to refer you to a more experienced vet, preferrably feline-only. Don't hesitate to get a second opinion ASAP, and ask about the above additional diagnostics.

[chenowith]

I wanted to post a follow up email related to Tigger. He was diagnosed with intestinal cancer. I had to have him put to sleep yesterday. At least he's no longer suffering. He was a very special cat and he will be missed.

[LisaLisa]

I'm so sorry to hear about Tigger....safe and peaceful journey to the bridge sweet boy. You were very much loved..

((((HUGS))))

[Kendra]

My thoughts are with you. Im so sorry to hear about Tigger.

[Traci]

I'm so sorry to hear this, my heart goes out to you...

Safe and gentle journey, little Tigger.....