Leg weakness most commonly arises from nerve compression in the lower back. Hence, pain in the lower back region should not be ignored, especially if it is longstanding. The shooting pain, which travels from the lower back to the knee or the ankle, is because of the irritation of the nerves caused by compression.
Heart disease is a serious medical condition in dogs, cats and humans. Cats do not normally develop arteriosclerosis or coronary artery disease, which are both common diseases in humans. In general terms, heart disease can be divided into two categories, congenital and adult onset forms.
The symptoms of arteriosclerosis are highly variable and can range from no symptoms (in the early stage of the disease) to heart attack or stroke (when the lumen of the artery is critically blocked). Sudden cardiac death can also be the first symptom of coronary heart disease. Symptoms also depend on the location of the arteries affected by arteriosclerosis. If the coronary arteries supplying the heart are affected, the person may develop chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, and anxiety.