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.
1 Congenital heart problems â Congenital means the disorder was present at birth. Congenital heart problems include: Septal defects â These are also known as holes in the heart. 2  Endocarditis â Endocarditis is an inflammation and infection of the heart valves and endocardium, the inner lining of the heart chambers.