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.
Arteriosclerosis is a group of diseases of the arteries. One of the most common types of arteriosclerosis is atherosclerosis, a condition in which fatty deposits of cholesterol form in the arteries. These deposits can break away and travel to the heart or brain, causing heart attacks or strokes.