- Back pain and stiffness: Your cat may have difficulty moving around or have a hunched posture.
- Limping or weakness in the hind legs: IVDD can affect the nerves that control the hind legs, leading to weakness or paralysis in one or both legs.
- Tail weakness: The tail may be limp or hanging down.
- Difficulty jumping or climbing: Your cat may struggle to jump up onto furniture or climb stairs.
- Loss of balance or coordination: The affected cat may have difficulty walking or keeping its balance.
- Muscle spasms or tremors
- Urinary or fecal incontinence: IVDD can affect the nerves that control the bladder and bowels, leading to incontinence or difficulty urinating or defecating.
- Anorexia and vomiting: Severe IVDD can cause pain and discomfort, which can lead to a loss of appetite and vomiting.
- Pain: the cat may show signs of discomfort, such as vocalization (such as meows, yelping), trying to avoid touch on the affected area.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to take your cat to the vet as soon as possible, as IVDD can be a serious condition and the sooner treatment begins, the better. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the chances of a successful recovery and reduce the risk of long-term complications.