Thumping back legs.

Dr. Marie replied:

Hi Katie. Those are strange symptoms. Can you tell me more about how Hobbes thumps his feet? Does he just suddenly stomp his back feet down? When he does it, does he do it repeatedly? Is it possible he is scratching? Also,

Does he seem to have any trouble jumping up on to things?

Is he eating ok?

I'm just trying to understand the thumping as this is not a normal symptom I'd see in cats!

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Dr. Marie replied:

Interesting. So, it sounds like he is suddenly jerking his back leg or legs.

Any time a cat does not want to eat there is a medical reason for it. If a cat is not eating and vomiting and this goes on for more than a day then I always, always recommend a vet exam. When we combine those symptoms with the strange leg symptoms, an exam is definitely recommended.

I can think of a few possibilities, but I must admit that the thumping has me stumped. I've seen some cats thump their back legs because of pain at the end of their spine called lumbosacral pain. However, this wouldn't cause vomiting and should also cause him to have difficulty jumping.

I've also had cats do strange twitching and flexing movements with their back legs because of fleas. (I guess the itchiness just makes them feel really uncomfortable). However this shouldn't cause vomiting and lack of appetite.

A serious heart condition called aortoiliac thrombosis (or saddle thrombus) could cause a cat to lose some feeling in their legs. This can cause vomiting and a lack of appetite too. I am really hoping this is not a saddle thrombus because usually it is a fatal condition. Cats with saddle thrombus will have very cold feeling back feet. Feel the temperature of Hobbes' back feet compared to his front. Usually if there is a saddle thrombus the difference is quite obvious.

It's also possible that some abdominal cramping could be causing his feet to kick out, but I can't say that I've ever seen that before!

I'm sorry I don't have an exact answer for you, but what you have described would have me advise to have a vet see Hobbes as soon as possible.

I really hope he is ok. If you get an answer from your vet on what is causing the thumping, please post back and let me know.

Dr. Marie.