Kitten with problems walking on hind legs?

magsmcoy

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I have a kitten that is about 7 months old. When he first arrived he was a normal kitten running around then I noticed that he was having trouble walking with his hind legs after a few weeks. I've taken him to the doctor and xrays don't show any broken bones, fractures etc. By all accounts everything seems fine. At first we thought he might have full on ch but the doctor suggests that it may be a neurological problem, in which he might have felt pain on his legs from a fall or something so he started to rely on his front paws to make up for his hind legs not working properly. He has moments where he's walking around using all four legs but doesn't seem very confident. I'm wondering if there is any pet therapy I can try or anything else that could possibly help him? I've considered getting him a wheelchair just to build his confidence so he starts applying more pressure on the hind legs and realizes he can walk on them but I'm just not sure how well that'll work. Any helpful suggestions would be appreciated.
 

ondine

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I would think a wheelchair might have the opposite effect - it might make him learn to rely on the wheelchair rather than his legs.  Until you determine the cause, I would wait to try the cure.  If it is neurological, he may need massage and or therapy but if there is an issue with his spine, those wouldn't work.

The vet didn't have any suggestions?  They often work with pet therapist, so he may be able to recommend one if he thinks its needed. 
 
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magsmcoy

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I took him to a vet that suggested possibly giving him some pills that would help him neurologically. From what I gathered the pills would help connect the parts of his brain that allows him to walk on his hind legs. My problem with that was that I wanted to do some research before starting him on drugs and at the time he was young enough to possibly improve. I decided to get another opinion, unfortunately, the vet said there wasn't anything that could be done he simply has issues walking. As I mentioned before his x-rays show that his spine and everything else is fine. I see such great attempts on my little kittens side as he tries to use his legs. I'm afraid that his condition might get worse as he continues to walk around slipping, sliding and occasionally falling I'm afraid he could really hurt himself.
 
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magsmcoy

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I took him to a vet that suggested possibly giving him some pills that would help him neurologically. From what I gathered the pills would help connect the parts of his brain that allows him to walk on his hind legs. My problem with that was that I wanted to do some research before starting him on drugs and at the time he was young enough to possibly improve. I decided to get another opinion, unfortunately, the vet said there wasn't anything that could be done he simply has issues walking. As I mentioned before his x-rays show that his spine and everything else is fine. I see such great attempts on my little kittens side as he tries to use his legs. I'm afraid that his condition might get worse as he continues to walk around slipping, sliding and occasionally falling I'm afraid he could really hurt himself.
 

cprcheetah

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It sounds a lot like my cat Mini Dee who has the Cerebral Hypoplasia.  She slips, slides, falls when she walks.  It is not something that ever goes away, it just is there, they can improve with strength training things like harnesses etc.  There are veterinary rehabiliation people who do things like water therapy and stuff like that.  A lot of vets aren't familiar with it, my dad who has been a vet for 40+ yrs has only seen my kitty, her litter mate and 1 more kitty with it.  It is an neurological condition.  The part of the brain that affects their motor skills isn't connected right. 
 
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magsmcoy

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Thanks for all the help! He's not getting any better so I'll definitely have to do some more research and just try to make him as comfortable as possible.
 

tulosai

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I really do not know, but I would advise listening to whatever your vet's advice is and am glad you have been able to go to a vet.  I have never heard of a wheelchair for cats and am unsure how on earth you'd teach a cat to use one/keep a cat in one.  I hope you will figure out a solution that works for you and your kitty!  I also hope someone might know more than I do and be able to give you better advice!
 
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