Pectus Excavatum in kitten.

[Jj1008]

Hi all,

I’ve posted this in pregnant and kitten care before but there’s some new observations and I am asking for more advice.

The kitten (1 in 5 of litter) is now 2-week old. As the mother’s nursing well, I’ve left them to be except for weighing the kittens daily. On day 9, when I picked up this one, I felt the chest/rib was abnormal, checked online and thought it was flat-chest kitten syndrome. He’s breathing a bit faster and heavier than his litter mates but otherwise he appeared to behave normal, feeding well & gaining 8-14g weight daily.

I’ve made him a “vest” hoping to correct the ribcage, however later when I observed him for a longer period of time I found that he’s got funnel chest - the first 5 ribs were normal (a bit flat but not too bad), then from the 6th rib, it curves inwards, and have a sunken hole area when he breathes. Photos attacked you can see when he sucks the curve in the belly.

I’ve checked this for a few days now, it is not worsening but I don’t know if it improves either. I called my vet who has no experience in dealing with this condition.

My suspicion is that he’s the first born of the mom’s first litter and did spend a long time in birth canal - maybe he was squeezed etc during birth and since he’s the smallest one of the litter always feeding at the bottom of the pile on this belly….

Surgery is not an option now as he’s too small. I also need some help in finding an experienced vet in the UK which also does not break the bank…

Has anyone experienced with kittens born with this condition? I’ve made him a corset - which does not compress the sides of his rib, but give him some support when he’s on the belly so the chest is not pressed - is this a good idea or shall I just take it off and let him grow naturally? I am not giving him any massage on the chest as I worry the pressure may make it worse. The little guy’s super cute, like to play with my fingers.

Online materials said that if he passes 3 weeks old, then survival chance would be good. But as his organs grow, further problems could occur, even sudden deaths. Can ppl share their experiences please? If someone in the Uk has gone through surgery, can you please let me know where and costs? Thank you.

 

[mani]

Jj1008 please do not use any kind of compression vest with pectus excavatum.. it will make it worse. With flat chest it can help to curve the chest outwards but with PE it will encourage the inward curve. I wouldn't use any vest at all. With Sundar, who has both PE and thoracic scoliosis, so the chest cavity is really compromised, I did lots of stretching.. I still do it with him now he's 12.. when he's on his back I hold his front legs and get him to really extend them to create a really good stretch. Encouraging a depth of breath is about the only way to create pressure from within, which is what is required for this condition.
I'm in australia and no-one here could help me. I really don't know about the UK, I'm sorry. But my boy did make it.

 

[Jj1008]

Thank you for your reply mani I’m removing the corset. Only that I worry when he sleeps other kittens on top of him and giving him pressure to make it worse.

I’ve read this article with two case studies - for puppies and thought of doing it. But you’re right I don’t want to unintentionally do any harm.

When did you discover the condition in Sundar and can you show me how you stretched him? Ours is too small cannot tell if his spin is normal shape yet.

 

[Jj1008]

Here is the case study: https://mdpi-res.com/d_attachment/a...oy/animals-13-00906-v2.pdf?version=1677804821

 

[Jj1008]

Sorry mani , one more question, can I let him wear a short vest - just for his first ribs. They are a bit flat but certainly not going inwards. I

 

[mani]

Any pressure that tries to push the higher ribs out could send the lower ones in. You would need a very specialised vest.
But I get what you're saying about being laid on... a firm vest that doesn't actually create compression, but doesn't allow him to be 'squished' by the others is a good idea, I think.

Just imagine lying him on his back, holding him under the armpits and encourage him to stretch his arms.. he could well just do it from the starting position. he won't get it at first, being so tiny, but he'll soon grasp the idea. I'd take a photo but I'm on my own.

The condition was discovered when I went to visit an elderly lady who was breeding Russian Blues.. I was concerned about how the place was run. One of her cats had had a litter a couple of weeks before and Sundar was the only survivor. We both worked on him as best we could.. encouraging deep breathing, stretching etc as the vets didn't have a clue. I took him to live with me at six weeks.. we were still not sure about his survival as the deaths of all the others was still a mystery, but he did make it.
He lives a very laid back life with me, which I think is important; keeping things as stress-free as possible. He was diagnosed with renal failure three years ago and he has some quite crippling arthritis due to his deformities now and cannot function without meds. But the renal failure is under control, and he's had 12 good years, and hopefully a couple more.

We've amended the title of this in the hope that someone in the UK will know of a specialist in this, but it's not common, and to have both makes it really tricky.

 

[Jj1008]

Any pressure that tries to push the higher ribs out could send the lower ones in. You would need a very specialised vest.
But I get what you're saying about being laid on... a firm vest that doesn't actually create compression, but doesn't allow him to be 'squished' by the others is a good idea, I think.

Just imagine lying him on his back, holding him under the armpits and encourage him to stretch his arms.. he could well just do it from the starting position. he won't get it at first, being so tiny, but he'll soon grasp the idea. I'd take a photo but I'm on my own.

The condition was discovered when I went to visit an elderly lady who was breeding Russian Blues.. I was concerned about how the place was run. One of her cats had had a litter a couple of weeks before and Sundar was the only survivor. We both worked on him as best we could.. encouraging deep breathing, stretching etc as the vets didn't have a clue. I took him to live with me at six weeks.. we were still not sure about his survival as the deaths of all the others was still a mystery, but he did make it.
He lives a very laid back life with me, which I think is important; keeping things as stress-free as possible. He was diagnosed with renal failure three years ago and he has some quite crippling arthritis due to his deformities now and cannot function without meds. But the renal failure is under control, and he's had 12 good years, and hopefully a couple more.

We've amended the title of this in the hope that someone in the UK will know of a specialist in this, but it's not common, and to have both makes it really tricky.

Thank you Mani, I managed to find in news that a practice in East Cote successfully conducted the surgery. I contacted the doctor there who gave me the below advice which I hope helps:

- the most important thing now is to ensure he’s got nutrition support and he is gaining weight. Try to encourage him not to lay on belly.
- when he’s at least 4 weeks old, you can bring him to the local vet for x-ray to have the correct diagnosis and determine severity. Treatment till 9 weeks will be conservative - supportive feeding, nursing care, and many cases won’t require surgery
- if the malformation is significant and surgery is required, this needs to be done when he’s 9-10 weeks old and your own vet can refer him to a specialist. The cost will be around £2-2.5k

 

[mani]

Thank you Mani, I managed to find in news that a practice in East Cote successfully conducted the surgery. I contacted the doctor there who gave me the below advice which I hope helps:

- the most important thing now is to ensure he’s got nutrition support and he is gaining weight. Try to encourage him not to lay on belly.
- when he’s at least 4 weeks old, you can bring him to the local vet for x-ray to have the correct diagnosis and determine severity. Treatment till 9 weeks will be conservative - supportive feeding, nursing care, and many cases won’t require surgery
- if the malformation is significant and surgery is required, this needs to be done when he’s 9-10 weeks old and your own vet can refer him to a specialist. The cost will be around £2-2.5k

Oh good.. I'm so glad you've found someone.
Keep us posted. I have all my fingers crossed for this little one.

 

[mani]

PS: don't be tempted to 'help' him to do things, except when it's obvious he needs help.. he needs to strengthen his body. Just look out for shortness of breath and then stop him if he's really panting.

 

[GenCat]

Jj1008 I did lots of stretching.. I still do it with him now he's 12.. when he's on his back I hold his front legs and get him to really extend them to create a really good stretch.

I just want to say this is so sweet thinking about you helping your boy do stretches and I'm so happy he is doing well as well as he can be with such serious medical issues. He is blessed to have you as his pet parent.

Also happy to add this to my wealth of cat knowledge since you never know when you'll need it

 

[Kwik]

Thank you Mani, I managed to find in news that a practice in East Cote successfully conducted the surgery. I contacted the doctor there who gave me the below advice which I hope helps:

- the most important thing now is to ensure he’s got nutrition support and he is gaining weight. Try to encourage him not to lay on belly.
- when he’s at least 4 weeks old, you can bring him to the local vet for x-ray to have the correct diagnosis and determine severity. Treatment till 9 weeks will be conservative - supportive feeding, nursing care, and many cases won’t require surgery
- if the malformation is significant and surgery is required, this needs to be done when he’s 9-10 weeks old and your own vet can refer him to a specialist. The cost will be around £2-2.5k

Hi,apologies for being late in WELCOMING you to TCS! Better that than never
So this little one is one of 5 and may I ask if you are fostering this Mama and her litter? You are keeping the little baby with this condition?I sure hope so because it sounds like he is in good hands ..... hope you don't mind my asking

That's great thst you have located that Vet in East Cote- is that where you'll be taking him when recommended,is it near?

You must have been thrilled to hear about Sundar,Sundar captures all of our hearts - he's an amazing boy with the heart of a lion!I believe love is the key factor in Sundars success in beating the odds and have a wonderful quality of life with mani .....

Please keep us posted,have you named this little fellow? I'm certainly praying for his health and the very best!

 

[Jj1008]

Hi,apologies for being late in WELCOMING you to TCS! Better that than never
So this little one is one of 5 and may I ask if you are fostering this Mama and her litter? You are keeping the little baby with this condition?I sure hope so because it sounds like he is in good hands ..... hope you don't mind my asking

That's great thst you have located that Vet in East Cote- is that where you'll be taking him when recommended,is it near?

You must have been thrilled to hear about Sundar,Sundar captures all of our hearts - he's an amazing boy with the heart of a lion!I believe love is the key factor in Sundars success in beating the odds and have a wonderful quality of life with mani .....

Please keep us posted,have you named this little fellow? I'm certainly praying for his health and the very best!

Thank you for the welcome.

We’re not fostering - we own the mom, (21
months old) a lynx/snow Savannah which is rare and we wanted her to have a litter.

I will observe his development and will do whatever is needed for his health - we’ve already got three adult cats but if need to be, we’ll either keep the little one or have a candidate who’s my best friend I know he’d be in good hands and I can visit/help as needed.

I was researching the condition online and found a news article of a practice in conducted a rare surgery and just rang them. It’s some distance to us, I will discuss with my vet on if they have a referral that’s closer to us as repeated visits would be required.

He’s doing extremely well - breath rate is down and he’s gaining >10g per day, started to wobbly walking and exploring, fighting against brothers and sisters during feeding etc. I’m optimistic so far - but also aware the condition can develop while their organs grow, so keeping a close eye.

 

[Kwik]

Thank you for the welcome.

We’re not fostering - we own the mom, (21
months old) a lynx/snow Savannah which is rare and we wanted her to have a litter.

I will observe his development and will do whatever is needed for his health - we’ve already got three adult cats but if need to be, we’ll either keep the little one or have a candidate who’s my best friend I know he’d be in good hands and I can visit/help as needed.

I was researching the condition online and found a news article of a practice in conducted a rare surgery and just rang them. It’s some distance to us, I will discuss with my vet on if they have a referral that’s closer to us as repeated visits would be required.

He’s doing extremely well - breath rate is down and he’s gaining >10g per day, started to wobbly walking and exploring, fighting against brothers and sisters during feeding etc. I’m optimistic so far - but also aware the condition can develop while their organs grow, so keeping a close eye.

Oh fantastic,so happy to know-


He's a fortunate little fellow to have you ,I pray his good fortune continues ABUNDANTLY

 

[Jj1008]

Update: the little one’s doing very well, he’s now over 300g (still 100g lighter than the largest of the litter) and walking.

The upper ribs started to become normal shape (used to be flat but now curving outwards), the lower ones are still in funnel shape but are improving too , I hope the improvement will continue as he grow and can avoid surgery.

I’ve been supplement feeding it with formula - I noticed he gets full with smaller amount of milk so need extra feeding between the meals. This really helped him to catch up with weight. He did not like it at the beginning but now used to it and would climb up the playpen when he sees me.

As the vet said, the most important thing for now is ensuring nutrition - if you have a kitten with this condition, I’d recommend supplement bottle feeding. Local vet suggested bring him in at week 6 if I am still concerned and although she cannot conduct the surgery, can send referral to a specialist.

Here is the most recent photo of the little one

 

[mani]

What a little darling.
Thank you so much for the update. you're doing a wonderful job.

 

[Kwik]

Update: the little one’s doing very well, he’s now over 300g (still 100g lighter than the largest of the litter) and walking.

The upper ribs started to become normal shape (used to be flat but now curving outwards), the lower ones are still in funnel shape but are improving too , I hope the improvement will continue as he grow and can avoid surgery.

I’ve been supplement feeding it with formula - I noticed he gets full with smaller amount of milk so need extra feeding between the meals. This really helped him to catch up with weight. He did not like it at the beginning but now used to it and would climb up the playpen when he sees me.

As the vet said, the most important thing for now is ensuring nutrition - if you have a kitten with this condition, I’d recommend supplement bottle feeding. Local vet suggested bring him in at week 6 if I am still concerned and although she cannot conduct the surgery, can send referral to a specialist.

Here is the most recent photo of the little one

Oh my,he is precious- what a darling precious baby- too cute

 

[Jj1008]

Update: the little one’s breathing rate is now completely normal, very playful, lots of strength and started to eat wet food today.

However, while his upper rib cage is growing to an oval shape, lower ribs are not improving and even seem to get “deeper” as he grows. I’ve heard the condition can get better or worse as they grow…

Plan to take him to x-ray in 2 weeks to determine the severity, and I’ve got a surgeon lined up if operations need to be done when he’s 13/14 weeks old (>1kg). Fingers crossed he won’t need to go through such procedure at such young age, but we’ll do what’s best for him.

 

[white shadow]

.
Wonderful to hear the progress and that future planning is in place with the needed expertise.

[OMG, that picture!!! And, the facial expression of the one in the back..."But, they can't see meeeeeeee!!!" ]
.

 

[mani]

Update: the little one’s breathing rate is now completely normal, very playful, lots of strength and started to eat wet food today.
However, while his upper rib cage is growing to an oval shape, lower ribs are not improving and even seem to get “deeper” as he grows. I’ve heard the condition can get better or worse as they grow…

That's wonderful news, regarding the breathing. I'm no specialist, but if his breathing is good now, then he could well be out of the woods.
The lower ribs are the pectus excavatum curling in. Sundar has quite a 'dent' in his chest.

 

[GenCat]

So glad things seem to be improving. Your little ones are super adorable.