My cat has no feeling in his hind paw/leg from a nerve problem?

Question

My 2 yr old male cat got hit by a car yesterday and he can't walk because of his back leg. We brought him to the vet and the did an x-ray and he has a very small fracture somewhere near his pelvis. She said it's not that bad and it'll heal on its own with time. Thats the good news; here's the bad. Lucky (my cat) has no feeling in his hind paw/leg. He can't feel it or move it. It's very cold and it's just laying there. The vet thinks it's from the nerve swelling and she said we should wait about 3 days to see if he can at least feel it. If he can, he will recover and if not, they might have to amputate it. I can't live with that, I love Lucky so much. We gave him pain meds and he's much happier. He just won't eat or drink. Probably because he is still traumatized. He is pooping and urinating fine which is a good sign. The same thing happened w/ his tail, only he can actually feel it. We are very scared he will never regain feeling in his leg again. The vet thinks he might judging by how his fraction was very minor, but she still isn't 100 percent sure. We are going back in 3 days for the vet to test his paw again. Pray for him!

I am praying for him alot and only time will tell. Has this ever happened to anyone else? Do you think he will be okay? Your answers are greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

While you might think that amputation is the worst thing in the world it  is not. He could have been injured much more severely or even worse!! Give it some time and see what happens. Inflammation can be pretty troublesome especially when it involves the nerve. Should it become apparent that he would need amputation he will adjust and so will your family. I have seen many amputations that have worked out just fine and cats go on to lead long lives. Just remember that if that does occur he should become an inside only kitty.

Answer 2

Aww.I will pray for him at church!!!! I hope he gets better!

Answer 3

The only thing you can do is be patient and let time do it's thing. I want you to be aware of one thing; cats and dogs handle amputation WAY better than we do. They just get on with it. I've known plenty of animals have limbs amputated. It just does not seem to bother them. So think of what your cat can live with; he can live with this. IF that's what it comes to. If the paw is going to be useless to him he's better off without it, it's only being a hindrance.

Chalice

Answer 4

this is a good example of why people should keep their cats indoors where they belong.  

Answer 5

It is sad that such an event could have been avoided by keeping your sweet boy inside. The lack of feeling can be from the trauma, but the fact that it is cold means there's not enough circulation.  Have you considered taking him to a specialist?  Call your local shelter for a referral. A three legged cat will do just fine; just like a dog they adapt.  You simply have to get a low sided litter tray.