Bend in the spinal cord

[Qadan]

Hello,

I rescued two newborn kittens 3-4 months ago. Sadly smallest one developed difficulty of movement at hind legs and slight enlargement at abdominal area. At first I thought it was a small injury from playing rough from it's sibling but after 4 days, loss of movement gotten worse so I take my kitten to my usual veterinary clinic.

Because of enlarged stomach area (it grow bigger during 4 days) treatment for internal parasites started and x-ray of hind legs showed no damage.

After parasite treatment didn't have a noticable effect on kittens movement problem new round of x-ray was taken. This time focus was on spinal cord and result showed a bending (photos attached). My veterinarian informed me there is no treatments for this problem. So I am here asking for possible treatment methods. I will be grateful for any knowledge about possible treatment methods.

 

[mani]

Qadan that's quite a lumbar lordosis.
I don't think there is any actual treatment available... it's a matter of seeing how badly it impacts your kitten. Is s/he able to walk alright?
My boy had thoracid lordosis (so higher up, at the back of the chest), and I tried to massage the area and stretch him (very, very carefully). I wonder whether your vet could help with ideas on how to do that.

 

[Qadan]

Qadan that's quite a lumbar lordosis.
I don't think there is any actual treatment available... it's a matter of seeing how badly it impacts your kitten. Is s/he able to walk alright?
My boy had thoracid lordosis (so higher up, at the back of the chest), and I tried to massage the area and stretch him (very, very carefully). I wonder whether your vet could help with ideas on how to do that.

Sadly she can't use hind legs for anything other than a very slow crawling. İt causes extreme pain if I try to straighten his back in anyway. She can barely lay down on his stomach for eating and going to sand for defecating. When she try to move on sand for finding a positions she is in pain every time she moves and can barely crawl in litter box. I am mainly looking for possible solutions from different countries if I can find one I would be able to find a direction to push my local veterinary Faculty for possible healing methods. I really don't want to put her down she is a very happy and lively kitten.

 

[mani]

Oh she's beautiful.
I don't have anything I can offer. Let's see if other members have any experience.

 

[Kieka]

What options has the vet given you? If your vet hasn't given you options, you can check for kitten specialists or reach out to different vet training hospitals with the x-rays and see if anyone responds. It's a long shot but you won't know if you don't try. But you might be able to find someone willing to consult with your vet or a local vet.

My guess would be the two options would be a wheelchair to help her move around or a brace (similar to scoliosis treatment in humans). But either option would be very much an experimental option without guaranteed results. The only thing I know for sure is it's good news that she can potty by herself but since she's still growing you'll want to make sure she continues to be able to and act quickly if she stops.

 

[fionasmom]

If you try to hold her, with support and not on her own, in a standing position does the pain subside or is it always there? If the pain is relieved by not having to use the legs and drag herself, a cart might be a big help. Lots of manufacturers now make them for very small dogs and cats.