Are there long term health effects for bowlegged cats?

seaturtleswims

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I adopted a kitten a few days ago from a nearby family. I knew the kittens were bottle fed and especially friendly from it (and mine is!) but apparently kittens that don't get enough vitamin D are prone to becoming bow legged. Sure enough, it looks like mine is turning out to be that way too! I didn't realize her walk was a bit off initially as I was holding her most of the time. She is currently shedding what looks to be a fever coat, which makes me feel bad for these babies and mama! She is skin and bones underneath all her fluff, and is on a high protein, grain free diet (both dry and wet, but the dry must be soaked). 

Is there anything special she needs to help her develop as naturally as possible? Supplements? Is it painful to be bow legged? Are there long term effects? I've never had a kitty this mal-whatever before, and I just want her to be healthy~

(On the side note, the darker side of me can not help but laugh a little when she's in full sprint and wipes out from being off balance. Can't hate it till you see it!)

She's vet bound Monday

 
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peaches08

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Would you happen to know what she was bottle fed with? Was it milk replacement designed for kittens?

Her "wipe outs" may just be kitten clumsies. ;)
 
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seaturtleswims

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No- there is definitely something "off"- but as I'm reading, I'm seeing it could be any number of things from something simple like an ear infection or vitamin deficiency all the way to spinal issues and fatal viruses. I am anxious to get to the vet monday and have my fingers crossed that it's nothing serious!
 

catpack

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Perhaps she has hip dysphasia? My now 2-yr-old, Max, was diagnosed at 8 wks with it. Luckily, by the time he reached 6 months, his hip sockets had grown large enough to stabilize the hip joint (he does still have occasional slippage.) But, this caused him to have an odd gate when he walked...more like a waddle. He still has some minor issues (he loses his balance on occasion and he cannot climb...he can jump however!)

Just a thought.
 
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seaturtleswims

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The vet's word is in. She is much younger than I was told! I was told 8 weeks, so I thought she was unusually wobbly. In fact she is only 6 weeks- which means she was about  5 weeks when I got her, and is a perfectly healthy with an expected wobble as she's so small yet. This information would have been helpful. I feel bad for even taking her, I never would have had I known she was so little! Alas, the truth is out, and I'd rather hear she's younger than I thought than find out she was sick with something :) Thanks for all your input guys, I was certainly guessing at what the problem could be!
 
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