Knee and teeth Syndrome / Patellar Fracture and Dental Anomaly Syndrome (PADS)

[nickyb]

Just found out yesterday that my 4 month old kitten has very likely got this syndrome
Since its so rare (my 60 year old vet has never seen a case in her career!) I was wondering if anyone here has had this with their cat, so I can get advice from an owner's perpective (how did it progress with their cat? What accomodations did they make etc)

 

[nickyb]

If you're wondering what it is... from what I can glean, its a genetic anomaly in bone formation that leads to bones being susceptible to fracture for no apparent reason, and baby teeth to not shed properly, causing issues with adult teeth emergence.
Apparently it doesn't run in breeding lines, but should not be bred from (i guess that means you couldn't have predicted it from his parentage, but he could pass it on?).
My baby currently has a fractured kneecap, with no known accident to cause it, and xrays show fracture pattern that matches the syndrome. A specialist has been consulted and confirmed that he thinks the syndrome is almost certain, and thinks a definitive answer will come in a couple of months to see what happens with his teeth (or if more fractures happen for no reason, I guess).

 

[fionasmom]

I do not have experience with this, but you are doing the right thing to consult a specialist. I was going to say that your vet is probably very well qualified, but if she has not seen this very often, she is not probably the best to treat and advise you. Glad that you have moved onto a specialist.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Maybe some information/data on this web site? Feline Patellar Fractures Research | Facebook
Not sure what value it has but may be worth looking around the site.

 

[nickyb]

Thanks, i'll take a look!

 

[MowglisMomma]

First of all I’m so sorry to hear about your kitten. My cat also suffers from this syndrome. The first sign was his teeth. He had retain baby teeth which I had some pulled and also suffered from two knee fractures. He fractured his first knee in October of 2020 at 2 years old and then fractured his other knee in February of 2021 (both were non-traumatic). I chose not to do surgery due to the high cost and low success rate. I kept him in a small area where his activity was limited and i also gave him prescribed pain medication from his vet. With this treatment he was able to recovered and got back to his normal activity. He was doing very well until about a week ago he started limping again. Unfortunately with not a lot of information out there on this syndrome I’m not sure if he tweaked something or fracture something new. I’m hoping to see improvement soon by limiting his activity again and if not I will bring him into the vet for more X-rays. Im hoping more information comes out on this syndrome as I want to know what life might be like down the road for cats with this syndrome. I hope my information/experience helps you some though.