Neuropathy is a disease that affects the central nervous system among a number of different species, including cats. Feline neuropathy does not usually lead to death, but it must be treated by a veterinarian. Without proper care, a cat will suffer pain and can lose its appendages.
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Symptoms
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Early stages of neuropathy are hard to detect, as the only symptoms are nerve damage that results in a loss of sensation in the animal's limbs. Pet owners who suspect neuropathy should take note if their cat is hesitant to perform activities such as jumping. This usually indicates a problem with the hind legs, which is the first visible symptom of the condition. A cat's gait will also change if it has neuropathy so that it crouches and drags its back legs as it walks. Later symptoms include loss of toes or legs.
Diagnosis
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While symptoms can sometimes be observed in a feline in the later stages of the disease, early detection offers the best chances for effective treatment. Tests must be performed by a veterinarian to check for the condition. Usually, tests can be done with a simple blood or urine sample, although in some cases the doctor may choose to do a biopsy of the nerves or electrodiagnostic tests.
Types
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Cats who have a history of diabetes are prone to developing feline neuropathy. The condition can be a result of Type I or Type II diabetes. This is because diabetes affects circulation, inhibiting blood flow. When the blood cannot travel properly to the limbs, the tingling that is symptomatic of neuropathy results, eventually leading to nerve damage and a loss of limbs. Another cause of neuropathy among cats is hyperthyroidism. If a cat is unable to put on weight but eats frequently, it may have a thyroid condition. When this feline also exhibits seizures and issues with its hind legs, it likely suffers from feline neuropathy.
Treatment
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Through prescriptions and a managed diet, cats who have neuropathy can live a relatively unaffected life. For cats who have diabetes, the condition can be managed, in part, through controlling blood sugar with insulin, as it is the high glucose levels in the blood that can cause numbness. Insulin treatment is usually administered with pills or insulin shots. For cats with hyperthyroidism, hormone treatments will be given to stabilize the thyroid gland. In either case of neuropathy, medications that include vitamin B-12 will usually be given to help repair damaged nerves and stop further nerve damage.
Warning
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Although a form of B-12 is used to treat feline neuropathy, a vitamin made for humans that contains B-12 should not be substituted. Administering human vitamins to a cat can result in illness and even death.
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