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Please help determine what could be wrong !
I have two male brother kittens that are almost 6 months old. I got them when they were 7 weeks. Early on I began to notice that they were both having trouble standing from a laying position. They get up a little...sit back down...repeat. It takes a few tries before they get going. Then they are ok. They are both having the same problem although one kitten does it more. I can not say for sure if they began doing it after they began receiving some of their shots. I have since had one kitten looked at by a vet. He said something is def. not right. Both the blood tests and xrays came back fine. He is now on antibiotics for 10 days and prednisone for 15 days. Today is day 6 and he is still having trouble getting up. On a side note both kittens do not jump ever. They have never jumped on the couch or anything of that sort. Don’t know if that is related. Other than having trouble getting up they do not have any other issues. They do not seem to be in any pain, they eat all their food, go to the bathroom normally. Please help determine what could be wrong !
awww those poor kitties, I was hoping for some easy solution, but this isn't always to be is it....
Are there no treatments for this condition?...they are both so lucky to have you for a mommy that will care for them and love them despite the disability. I do hope it doesn't progress and they can have a good quality life, they are indeed special kitties with 'special needs'
Keep researching dear, never know what you'll find. I see its also a human disease so perhaps there are human trials out there to look into.
keep us posted on them, we love our kitty family and hearing often of them all...
♥Opus
Are there no treatments for this condition?...they are both so lucky to have you for a mommy that will care for them and love them despite the disability. I do hope it doesn't progress and they can have a good quality life, they are indeed special kitties with 'special needs'
Keep researching dear, never know what you'll find. I see its also a human disease so perhaps there are human trials out there to look into.
keep us posted on them, we love our kitty family and hearing often of them all...
♥Opus
Hi, thank you soooo much for coming back w/ an update!!! I've been wondering about your babies!
That is great to hear that they will most likely stay the same! It was great to hear that!! You're an awesome pet owner, and your children are lucky to have you!!
Best Best wishes for their continued health and happiness.
That is great to hear that they will most likely stay the same! It was great to hear that!! You're an awesome pet owner, and your children are lucky to have you!!
Best Best wishes for their continued health and happiness.
Wednesday my kittens went to the neurologist for their surgery. They were both neutered. The EMG on both determined that all of their muscles are abnormal including Dillan's tounge. Because both EMG's were so similar, she only performed a biopsy on one kitten. From the EMG alone, she believes they have myotonia congenita. I actually have been researching this disorder a lot because all of the symptoms fit my kittens.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myotonia_congenita
Congenital myotonia (also myotonia congenita) is a genetic, neuromuscular channelopathy that affects muscles used for movement (skeletal muscles). It is congenital, meaning that it is present from birth. Amongst other problems, it causes delayed relaxation of the muscles (myotonia) and rigidity. The disorder is caused by mutations in the part of an ion channel gene responsible for shutting off electrical excitation in the muscles, causing muscle fiber membranes to have an unusually exaggerated response to stimulation (hyperexcitability). Symptoms include delayed relaxation of the muscles after voluntary contraction (myotonia), and may also include stiffness, hypertrophy (enlargement), sluggishness of the muscles, transient weakness in some mutations, pain, and cramping. The disorder is caused by a genetic mutation involving the chloride channel of the muscles.
I am waiting on the biopsy results to determine 100%
There is no cure or safe treatment for myotonia. This disorder is extremely rare. There is a good chance they won't get any worse since they are almost a year old. They should lead long happy lives. They will always be special kittens but thats why I love them so much :)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myotonia_congenita
Congenital myotonia (also myotonia congenita) is a genetic, neuromuscular channelopathy that affects muscles used for movement (skeletal muscles). It is congenital, meaning that it is present from birth. Amongst other problems, it causes delayed relaxation of the muscles (myotonia) and rigidity. The disorder is caused by mutations in the part of an ion channel gene responsible for shutting off electrical excitation in the muscles, causing muscle fiber membranes to have an unusually exaggerated response to stimulation (hyperexcitability). Symptoms include delayed relaxation of the muscles after voluntary contraction (myotonia), and may also include stiffness, hypertrophy (enlargement), sluggishness of the muscles, transient weakness in some mutations, pain, and cramping. The disorder is caused by a genetic mutation involving the chloride channel of the muscles.
I am waiting on the biopsy results to determine 100%
There is no cure or safe treatment for myotonia. This disorder is extremely rare. There is a good chance they won't get any worse since they are almost a year old. They should lead long happy lives. They will always be special kittens but thats why I love them so much :)
Hi again everyone! I am here with an update ! Thanks for following up opus. The kittens went to the neurologist on Thursday. It was a great experience. There was another vet and a tech. in the room with the neurologist and us. They were so friendly and loving. The neurologist thinks they actually have a muscle disorder. Dillan has his tougne out most of the day. She said his jaw is not properly alligned...his bottom jaw is shorter than it should be. She said this isn't a problem at all though. His tougne sticks out because there is less room in his mouth. Blood work was done this time on Riley for toxins...his electrolyte count etc. They all came back normal. The next step would be doing more tests while they are neutered...this way they are already put under and won't have to on two seperate occasions. The next test would be an EMG and a muscle biopsy.
She doesn't think they have a serious form of muscle dystrophy becuase then their electrolyte count would have been off. She said they may have a less severe form. It may even be a congenitial disorder which may or may not be able to be cured/lessened. It's a matter of testing and seeing what is found. My only issue is that this is all soooo expensive.
I looked into the post for help with vet expenses. I do not seem to meet any of the requirements for help with expenses. Each site required you either be on medicaid or unemployement. I mean i'm not in that kind of situation but I don't have enough to be spending on all these tests. Are there any other organizations that would help me? These kittens deserve the chance to live a normal life and I can't go broke over it. My vet said she would be willing to write up anything necessary. Let me know if anyone has any ideas or any feedback on this post.
Thanks !
She doesn't think they have a serious form of muscle dystrophy becuase then their electrolyte count would have been off. She said they may have a less severe form. It may even be a congenitial disorder which may or may not be able to be cured/lessened. It's a matter of testing and seeing what is found. My only issue is that this is all soooo expensive.
I looked into the post for help with vet expenses. I do not seem to meet any of the requirements for help with expenses. Each site required you either be on medicaid or unemployement. I mean i'm not in that kind of situation but I don't have enough to be spending on all these tests. Are there any other organizations that would help me? These kittens deserve the chance to live a normal life and I can't go broke over it. My vet said she would be willing to write up anything necessary. Let me know if anyone has any ideas or any feedback on this post.
Thanks !
I'm sure Petcare does but you'd need to read the very fine print.
only thing natelejan kitty has already been diagnosed, or it already has been recorded in the chart at the 'new' Vet office. therefore would be considered 'an existing' condition....you could still get it for the 2nd brother who isn't dx'd yet.....
ran into same problem with one of mine, even his annual teeth cleaning was considered 'pre existing condition' therefor then he began having other dental issues and needed extraction the co. refused to pay for....they do send for records from the Vet clinic and the clinic is required to foreclose all info.
only thing natelejan kitty has already been diagnosed, or it already has been recorded in the chart at the 'new' Vet office. therefore would be considered 'an existing' condition....you could still get it for the 2nd brother who isn't dx'd yet.....
ran into same problem with one of mine, even his annual teeth cleaning was considered 'pre existing condition' therefor then he began having other dental issues and needed extraction the co. refused to pay for....they do send for records from the Vet clinic and the clinic is required to foreclose all info.
I am going to keep up with the new food...it can't hurt at all.
No he didn't. he was pretty confident with the diagnosis that the problems are stemming from his brain.
Does anyone know any insurance companies that would cover neurologists??
No he didn't. he was pretty confident with the diagnosis that the problems are stemming from his brain.
Does anyone know any insurance companies that would cover neurologists??
Oh thats not great news is it....specialists and tests can get very expensive dear, I hope you can afford this somehow.
Diet/lack of any or all the Vitamins can cause neuro disorders too, so I wouldn't stop trying with the diet modifications and research....I will do more as well.
Poor babies, I send my hopes that its something that can be managed.
Did he do a CBC and sugars?
Diet/lack of any or all the Vitamins can cause neuro disorders too, so I wouldn't stop trying with the diet modifications and research....I will do more as well.
Poor babies, I send my hopes that its something that can be managed.
Did he do a CBC and sugars?
Thanks for the post Jade.
Just got back from the new vet...that was amazing!! He did an extremely thorough examination. He checked every part of him and then went on to check reflexes and balance. In the end he said that Dillan has some sort of neurological disorder. He does not walk like a normal cat, doesn't have the same response to being touched on the face/mouth. He can not say what it is and if he will stay the same/get worse/better. He referred me to a neurologist. I am going to make an appointment for a consultation. I am very worried about how many tests I will be financially able to do. When I go to the neurologist I will have both brothers look at. Riley has the same issue just much less severe. I am also going to email the lady we got the kittens from for contacts of the owners of the other kittens from the litter. I will get back with more info.
Just got back from the new vet...that was amazing!! He did an extremely thorough examination. He checked every part of him and then went on to check reflexes and balance. In the end he said that Dillan has some sort of neurological disorder. He does not walk like a normal cat, doesn't have the same response to being touched on the face/mouth. He can not say what it is and if he will stay the same/get worse/better. He referred me to a neurologist. I am going to make an appointment for a consultation. I am very worried about how many tests I will be financially able to do. When I go to the neurologist I will have both brothers look at. Riley has the same issue just much less severe. I am also going to email the lady we got the kittens from for contacts of the owners of the other kittens from the litter. I will get back with more info.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hi there, been watching your thread and had some free time yesterday so looked up 'kittens w/ back leg weakness and did see anemia mentioned several times so hopefully the meds you're going to try will reverse whatever is wrong with your babies. Fingers crossed!!!
We feed Jade the Wellness dry. She loves it! Could not get her on the wet, however. It's good you're changing their food while young :)
I think your old vet didn't know what to do anymore so was ignoring you instead of just coming out and admitting it.
We feed Jade the Wellness dry. She loves it! Could not get her on the wet, however. It's good you're changing their food while young :)
I think your old vet didn't know what to do anymore so was ignoring you instead of just coming out and admitting it.
Hi, Yes, I do think low iron levels will cause weakness. Once the iron levels are straight, you'll probably see a difference w/ the babies! I also think that it was smart of ya to switch vets. I would've done the same thing. Here we pay out all this money to them, and for them to think it's too much trouble to get back to us????? He!! no, that won't fly w/ me either! Hopefully, this new vet will be great and give you and the babies the attention you deserve!
Wellness is an awesome idea to try them on!!! There are a bunch of Wellness fans on this forum! It's one of the top brands as far as ingredients go!
Please, let me know how they are doing? And, good luck w/ the new vet!
ZQ
Wellness is an awesome idea to try them on!!! There are a bunch of Wellness fans on this forum! It's one of the top brands as far as ingredients go!
Please, let me know how they are doing? And, good luck w/ the new vet!
ZQ
good for you for doing the research. Wellness is a very good choice its one of the highest recommended diets...may take a slow transition to get kitties onto it tho, of course good foods never taste as good as the junk foods.(same as ours eh..Lol)
I think you are making the right decision to see another Vet, this old one doesn't appear to be taking much on an interest in caring for your kitties.
I did find another site that yu should read, this is the second one I've found that indicates diabetes may be the culprit.
Please get the new Vet to check blood sugar levels.
http://painreliefforcats.net/your-cat-with-weak-legs-may-have-feline-diabetes
best of luck. and let us know what you find out.
I think you are making the right decision to see another Vet, this old one doesn't appear to be taking much on an interest in caring for your kitties.
I did find another site that yu should read, this is the second one I've found that indicates diabetes may be the culprit.
Please get the new Vet to check blood sugar levels.
http://painreliefforcats.net/your-cat-with-weak-legs-may-have-feline-diabetes
best of luck. and let us know what you find out.
I just spoke with another vet. I am going to try to go later today.
My current vet has not gotten back to me in 2 days! I'm done with him. I'd rather have a new vet look at his charts for a second opinion and go from there. I'm going broke though from my kitties but I love them lol.
My current vet has not gotten back to me in 2 days! I'm done with him. I'd rather have a new vet look at his charts for a second opinion and go from there. I'm going broke though from my kitties but I love them lol.
Hey...yeah day 12 and no change. I am waiting on a call back from the vet. I'll look into drugs.com today.
I wound up buying them Wellness canned, dry food, and treats. No byproducts, no soy, grain free etc. I also bought them natural litter. I am hoping by switching these things he may change for the better.
Do you think low iron would cause weakness in his legs? I am waiting on the vet to pick up the medicine for that.
I wound up buying them Wellness canned, dry food, and treats. No byproducts, no soy, grain free etc. I also bought them natural litter. I am hoping by switching these things he may change for the better.
Do you think low iron would cause weakness in his legs? I am waiting on the vet to pick up the medicine for that.
Hi, sorry if we scared you! That is not my intention at all(at least not in your case....LOL)!! This forum is all about sharing info and making owners aware of things. To me, it's much better than being in the dark. Hey......I've learned a ton over the years coming to this forum! So, hopefully you will stay and help us inform others and learn a thing or two yourself! It's all good! =)
Anyway, about your kittens.......I seriously would have thought that Science Diet kitten food would be nutritionally sound enough for growing babies! Maybe there's a possibility that the kittens are having a bad reaction to some ingredients in it????? I think that your idea to switch up their food is a great one! Hopefully, it's a simple fix and not a genetic defect. Let us know how the food change goes!
I'm sorry if I scared you about the prednisone, but I really am concerned for your babies w/ this drug. And, another suggestion, if you haven't seen any improvement in 11 days I would get the kittens off of it. You would most certainly would have seen something by now. I have been on prednisone for asthma, and saw improvement in 1 day......so, this drug acts quickly!! There is a ton of info online about this drug, if you have time check it out! One place to try is drugs.com.
Best wishes
ZQ
Anyway, about your kittens.......I seriously would have thought that Science Diet kitten food would be nutritionally sound enough for growing babies! Maybe there's a possibility that the kittens are having a bad reaction to some ingredients in it????? I think that your idea to switch up their food is a great one! Hopefully, it's a simple fix and not a genetic defect. Let us know how the food change goes!
I'm sorry if I scared you about the prednisone, but I really am concerned for your babies w/ this drug. And, another suggestion, if you haven't seen any improvement in 11 days I would get the kittens off of it. You would most certainly would have seen something by now. I have been on prednisone for asthma, and saw improvement in 1 day......so, this drug acts quickly!! There is a ton of info online about this drug, if you have time check it out! One place to try is drugs.com.
Best wishes
ZQ
Wow this is all starting to scare me now lol.
The only thing that showed up on the blood work was mild anemia. Do you think that is at all relevant? I am waiting on the vet to call me about the medicine for that. Right now Dillan is on day 11 of Prednisone for inflammation. He will now be taking it every other day for 5 days and then 1/2 a day for 5 days. 11 days in and no change.
Supposedly the parents and other siblings don't show any similar symptoms.
Tonight I am going to start them on a different brand of kitten canned and dry food. I also want to get a new litter...maybe something organic? I am going to try and switch things up and see if maybe one of those things were causing a problem...
Any suggestions of other changes I should make? I never see them eating or licking anything so i'm not sure.
The only thing that showed up on the blood work was mild anemia. Do you think that is at all relevant? I am waiting on the vet to call me about the medicine for that. Right now Dillan is on day 11 of Prednisone for inflammation. He will now be taking it every other day for 5 days and then 1/2 a day for 5 days. 11 days in and no change.
Supposedly the parents and other siblings don't show any similar symptoms.
Tonight I am going to start them on a different brand of kitten canned and dry food. I also want to get a new litter...maybe something organic? I am going to try and switch things up and see if maybe one of those things were causing a problem...
Any suggestions of other changes I should make? I never see them eating or licking anything so i'm not sure.
Science Diet kitten food would probably have the proper proteins in it for growing babies. Opus was right on about my being worried about the kittens having a nutritionally sound diet.
Since both kittens are having the same issues w/ getting up, I am wondering if this could be some sort of genetic problem. Did your vet mention this?
I am also a little shocked and very concerned that your vet put your very young kittens on steroids. Those are very powerful drugs that could affect their growth. Please ask your vet about his/her reasons for putting them on this w/out a definite diagnosis. I just really don't understand this at all.
And, one last question........how is their blood work? Everything normal?
Hopefully, your vet will get to the bottom of this and put your mind at ease!
ZQ
Since both kittens are having the same issues w/ getting up, I am wondering if this could be some sort of genetic problem. Did your vet mention this?
I am also a little shocked and very concerned that your vet put your very young kittens on steroids. Those are very powerful drugs that could affect their growth. Please ask your vet about his/her reasons for putting them on this w/out a definite diagnosis. I just really don't understand this at all.
And, one last question........how is their blood work? Everything normal?
Hopefully, your vet will get to the bottom of this and put your mind at ease!
ZQ
aww. I just read abt a dog that suffers from nerve damage(due to an accident) in the legs and the Vet gave him B12 injections weekly also acupuncture.
the dog recovered. do you have a Vet locally that could do acupuncture?
Yes do tons of reading and I do wish Dillian and Riley all my hugs and prayers.
keep us posted for sure.
the dog recovered. do you have a Vet locally that could do acupuncture?
Yes do tons of reading and I do wish Dillian and Riley all my hugs and prayers.
keep us posted for sure.
The vet said that diabetes would be tested with the blood work, however, he said everything came back negative... except that Dillan has low iron. Could that be relevant?
Thank you so much for all of the great information you have all been providing. I really appreciate it! I am going continue researching from the above websites.
Dillan and Riley are my first kittens. Before them I was never even around cats. I have learned so much about cats since I have gotten them. I will keep everyone posted on how Dillan's condition is after he finishes his perscription :)
Thank you so much for all of the great information you have all been providing. I really appreciate it! I am going continue researching from the above websites.
Dillan and Riley are my first kittens. Before them I was never even around cats. I have learned so much about cats since I have gotten them. I will keep everyone posted on how Dillan's condition is after he finishes his perscription :)
I did find this article on diabetic neuropathy. did the Vet check for diabetes?
the article does also mention low potassium could cause muscle weakness.
I also see that CRF(chronic renal failure) can affect the back legs.
I would have my Vet check for these.
http://www.vetinfo.com/treating-feline-diabetic-neuropathy-methylcobalamin.html
the article does also mention low potassium could cause muscle weakness.
I also see that CRF(chronic renal failure) can affect the back legs.
I would have my Vet check for these.
http://www.vetinfo.com/treating-feline-diabetic-neuropathy-methylcobalamin.html
Science Diet is better than some, not as good as others. however any canned food is better than even the 'best' of dry foods. Purina doesn't have the best reputation.
Zodiacqueen will have to answer you about if she thinks this could be diet related.
IMO it could be, but the food would need to be seriously lacking in protein or some other ingredient that affects the muscles.
ZQ do you have another thought?
how are the kitties today?
Zodiacqueen will have to answer you about if she thinks this could be diet related.
IMO it could be, but the food would need to be seriously lacking in protein or some other ingredient that affects the muscles.
ZQ do you have another thought?
how are the kitties today?
They are fed Science Diet kitten canned food...1 can a day shared between the two...1/2 in the morning 1/2 for dinner. They also eat Science Diet and Purina kitten dry food. How are those brands??
What kind of diet has your kittens been on? Brand? This could be a diet related disorder!
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/the_pet_web_library.html
or www.veterinarypartner.com
www.vetinfo.org
sorry I'm so pressed for time this a.m. try these excellent sites and see if they lead to any help. please keep posting so we can help you trouble shoot this, something sure isn't right.
I can do more checking at a later time for you too.
best of luck to the poor little guys.
or www.veterinarypartner.com
www.vetinfo.org
sorry I'm so pressed for time this a.m. try these excellent sites and see if they lead to any help. please keep posting so we can help you trouble shoot this, something sure isn't right.
I can do more checking at a later time for you too.
best of luck to the poor little guys.
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