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Spider bite ?? please help

Sent to Pet Experts February 16, 2005 11:37 a.m.

6 month old cat who lives with his brother and half brother. Began limping 4 weeks ago ( front leg) vet wrapped leg & sent home. Week later no better, vet did full xrays, no abnormal findings, and put cat on prednisone... Cat seemed to get worse over the 10 day span of pred, to point of not being able to walk, falling over, etc.. Seems to be systemic. Vet did FULL blood work up ( some had to be sent out) everything came back normal. He is currently on IV drip with amox, being hand fed and expressed ( 2nd full day today of antibiotic today). His brother & half brother as well as his other litter mates and his mother show no similiar signs. Vet is at a loss, and refring to nuero for spinal tap. Could this possibly be from a spider bite ?? Around the same time owner woke up w/ 2 angry bites ( arm and neck) which took a week to fade out..
NO PLANTS in house and all cleaners on top shelf of closed closet... Cat is entirely an indoor cat and has been confined inside from his 3rd day of life.

Please help, even the vet is at a loss as to what can do this to 1 cat out of 3 in a house, no sibling matching symptoms (or mother), never been outside ( except for first 3 days w/siblings)... The vet is at a loss, and the little guy is obviously fighting this. He doesn;t look like a dying cat ( bright eyes, recognition,aware) but just can’t walk ! HELP !
Thank you , Nancy

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $10

Info Request
February 16, 2005 11:45 a.m. (8 minutes and 8 seconds later)

REPLIED to Info Request

The lameness has progressed to no movement on that limb. Is the kitten lame anywhere else?? Back legs? Was there ever any swelling of the problem leg?

Dr.V

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Dr. D.A. Vamvakias
Veterinarian

Dr. Vamvakias -- Veterinarian -- 100% Positive Feedback on 991 Pet Accepts
Small Animal & Emergency Medicine

Reply to Dr. Vamvakias
Sent February 16, 2005 12:05 p.m. (19 minutes and 32 seconds later)

Thank you for your fast reply.
At this point the kitten cannot walk. He takes a few difficult steps and his legs go out on him, he falls over when he is placed in the litter box, he does pull back on his arms and legs if you hold them ( if you tickle his belly, he will push your hand away playfully with his back feet and wrap his front paws around the hand. It is as though the motor skills for walking are damaged. The right front arm is still painful to him.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
February 16, 2005 1:59 p.m. (1 hour and 54 minutes later)

REPLIED

With a spider bite there is usually swelling...much like a snake bite. Next there is skin evidence because the tissue that received the venom dies. If the leg appears normal, it was not a spider bite.

Unfortunately you are correct to see a neurologist as quickly as possible. It is progressive, and an neurologist is the best option to not only diagnosing the problem but treatment and prognositc help as well. There are many things that can cause the signs you describe...it sounds like what we call Upper Motor Neuron signs which can come from the spinal cord itself of the brain. I do hope things are resolved quickly.

Let me know if you have further questions.

Dr.V

__________________
Dr. D.A. Vamvakias
Veterinarian

Dr. Vamvakias -- Veterinarian -- 100% Positive Feedback on 991 Pet Accepts
Small Animal & Emergency Medicine

Reply to Dr. Vamvakias
Sent February 16, 2005 2:18 p.m. (18 minutes and 44 seconds later)

Thank you.
At this point we are giving him a day or two on the IV and amox to see if he starts pulling out on his own. If the neuro finds something ( encepholitis, menengitis, etc) isn't the only course of treatment antibiotics & support and waiting for the infection to run its course ?

What medication would a neuro suggest for a motor problem ?

Thank you again

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
February 16, 2005 2:33 p.m. (15 minutes and 15 seconds later)

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Dr. Vamvakias -- Veterinarian -- 100% Positive Feedback on 991 Pet Accepts
Small Animal & Emergency Medicine

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