Manx syndrome

colleendebra

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I have a female 1 year old Cat named Shadow who has brought lots of love and a new understanding of patience....after a few days of being with us we took her to the vet for her shots and a check up and was told by the vet after he looked at her butt that we should put her down....

I asked him to explain to me what Manx Syndrome was and after seeing her x ray and doing hours of research on line I was not going to do that....although everything found to help was for dogs and after so much frustration with ordering things that never fit her I took things as best I could and made do with baby clothes and diapers for the first 6 months ....then switched diapers with pads and that gives less stress on her hips and hind legs...it isnt perfect but we learn more each day

Cats seem to be the throw away pets.....I realize it isnt easy...but she is healthy....sweet...loving...hilarious and in no pain...gets around and even with all the issues she faces...I have learned how to help her....I now know how to give a cat a enema..lol..as she can get impacted very fast....with proper diet and medication when needed she hopefully will have a good life....its my understanding through what is on line that her life span might only be 3 years I can only hope that she will be with me longer...

So if there is anyone else out there like me would love to give and get info .....


 

sarah ann

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Bless you for taking care of her! Not many people would do that.  I would love to know how you get her to tolerate the diapers and pads. My cat has urinary issues and keeps having accidents. I do think something like that would help, as we are at wits end. The vet has tried everything and he still has issues.
 
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colleendebra

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not sure how old your cat is....my cat Shadow has had clothes and first diapers then pads since 8 weeks old.....

I am guessing your cat has a tail....I think that if your cat would tolerate a onesie this might be helpfull...you would have to cut a hole for the tail....I find pads easier ...diapers never stayed on Shadow without a outfit on....

I have a page on facebook called Shadows Solutions that has a video showing how and what I use...might be helpfull.....

I experiment with outfits all the time....I go to thrift stores and get the onesies...I have to cut some and I am in the process of trying to design a universal outfit....

bathing can be a issue if they are not use to it....

If I can think of anything else that might help I will let you know....I know its hard....
Debbie
 

stephanie42

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i'd not heard of manx syndrome, so i did some research.  my old cat was a manx - he was born to a tabby bar cat with a tail who no one really cared about.  for some reason my stepfather brought him home and he was a small, handsome, tailless monster for 16 years.  he never showed any signs of spinal issues; he seemed like a normal cat with a deep, gravelly voice and no tail.

i'm always sad to see the things that we cause/contribute to in animals because of our desire to breed a certain trait.  i think it's beautiful that you were willing to ignore your vet (the very people we are asked to entrust the care of our furry family members to) and do what your shadow needed to have done for her care.
 
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denice

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I understand what you're saying about the breeding thing.  In defense of responsible breeders though, they do everything they can to control this so that a kitty doesn't have issues.  They never breed two 'rumpies', they always breed a rumpie with a kitty that has at least a stubby tail.  Unfortunately backyard breeders don't do that because the rumpies  are the prized kitties that bring in the most money.
 
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colleendebra

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I understand what your saying...I am not blaming breeders as Shadow wasnt bought from a breeder and I had no understanding of Manx Syndrome or anything else cats could get....this was the hand Shadow was dealt and I fully took it on as I would of because she is part of my family

I have never gotten a cat or dog from a breeder because my preferences are animals from shelters...Shadow came to me through a friend of a friend who's cat had kittens...

I am just trying to help and get help from others who are in the same situation.....
 
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colleendebra

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Thank you.....I just hope Shadow can live a long life as yours did......
 

lizzire

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Hello! I have a stinky little 11-year-old Manx cat who has been suffering from Manx syndrome for the past 6 months. We adopted her from the pound when she was a kitten and she's never had problems until about six months ago when she became completely incontinent. We've gone to 3 vets and ruled out bladder infections, bacterial infections, kidney stones, bladder tumors, etc and were told that our only other option is to get her a $1700 MRI which would likely be followed by surgery. We don't really want to put her through that.

I've tried both cat diapers and human diapers on her, but she kicks them off very quickly and easily.

Am I right that in these photos you've got Shadow in a little baby onesie? We haven't tried that yet! I'd be so appreciate of any details you might have on how to make this work. We love our little stinker bean, but my house is COVERED in pee and the poor little thing's butt and privates are a mess. I've attached a photo so you can see what a little stinky cutie she is!

 
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colleendebra

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If she would be willing to let you put a onesie on her it helps a lot...Shadow would walk and pee...any movement and she just cant feel it happen...I will make a video tonight and show you how I get the outfit on her...does she protest ...yes...lol....even though she has had this happen since 8 weeks.....

She will hiss and growl but it only takes seconds and doesnt stop them from being a cat or doing cat things....   And yes I do have a little fun with the fact she has to wear an outfit....what the heck right...
 

lizzire

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OMG Shadow's little pink (stink!) tutu is the cutest thing EVER! I'm just so relieved there's something we haven't thought of or tried yet! We've been bathing her with this foam cat shampoo that you rub in and wipe off, but considering the fact that she pees throughout the entire cleaning process, it hasn't been super effective. Yes, this seems like a good thing to try. Diapers with a onesie and washcloth cleanings in between. How often do you usually change Shadow's diaper?
 
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colleendebra

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A liner might be better then a diaper....I just use the wet warm clothes because her anus sometimes protrudes out and we have to be carefull what gets on it...I bath her with warm water and organic baby shampoo...no perfumes or chemicals

I change her 3 to 5 times a day...it all depends...when I bathe her she has her naked time...lol....she enjoys her time without anything on....but it is usually spent on my lap with a towel or her cat tent with pee pads inside....I will attach pics later..

Shadow has no tail or tail bone to worry about....she sits like we do.....if your cat has a tail of any kind the process will need a hole cut out...this wouldnt be hard with a panty liner....

Changing the pads will be something you will figure out with the process....some cats might need more some less..my daughter and .I work so we share this .....her last morning change is at 9am till about 4pm....seems like a long period but she isnt very wet when we get home....

She then is bathed right away....then dried and some naked time in her tent...we also use the tent outside so she can enjoy the sun and fresh air.....
 

lizzire

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Tee hee! Naked time!!! Yes. We could definitely spread out a bunch of wee wee pads and give her a little time to roam freeee!!!!!!!

No tail on my little stinker. She is a pure "rumpy" Manx! We were trying kitty diapers for a while and I was taping the tail opening shut, but she just kicked them all off. Does Shadow freak out about getting water on her? Can't wait to go buy some onesies first thing in the morning. I still have some diaper liners from when we were trying out reusable kitty diapers with a liner inside so I'll see if she feels better about the liners or the full diaper. You've found that the liner is enough to provide sufficient coverage? Any photos or videos or anything you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much! NO one has been able to help us!
 
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colleendebra

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I just posted 2 videos on Shadows Solutions on Facebook......hopefully they will help....she had a scare in one video...lol....so did I....shes ok in the tub.....try putting little floating toys in the tub.....sounds silly but it works to give them something else to focus on....

As I said it is just trail and error....we work on this daily...

Let me know how it goes and I will help in any way

Debbie
 

mobmilli

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I currently have 3 rescue kittens with manx syndrome w/ spina bifida. I have a fb page where I post updates, videos & pictures of their progress. I have one who I'm having to find ideas for diapers/clothing since he at times has very loose stool and can't make it to the litter box. 

their fb page is Kaley kitten with manx syndrome / spina bifida 
 
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colleendebra

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Just checking in to see how things are going.....hoping your situation is getting better

Debbie
 

scarlettvenus

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Hi Everyone,

I saw a posting on craigslist today about a sweet little girl that has severe manx syndrome. She has no tail and both her hind legs are paralyzed. I am really thinking about adopting her and wanted to know more about your journey with your cat.
 

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Scarlettvenus, how wonderful for you to consider giving this special girl a furever home! I do not have any cats with Manx syndrome, but do have a kitten with an immune mediate disease that causes neuropathy and myopathy in his rear limbs. He also doesn't have 100% control of his bowels, but does have full control of his bladder.

I am concerned that this baby is listed on Craig's List...concerned she may end up in the wrong hands.

Should you choose to adopt this baby, I'm sure you will find lots of support here!

I want to let you know about an organization called "Leggings for Life." They make knitted/crocheted leggings to protect the legs/feet of special needs animals at no cost to the owners.

I was lucky to be able to enlist a friend to make some for Achilles. The group has a page on Facebook. (Note: the pic is not of Achilles, but of another cat that has benefitted from the organization.)
 
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scarlettvenus

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Oh thats amazing!! Well the person that posted about her found her and has been taking care of her for a month but just doesnt have the time to care for her the way she needs anymore. I am really considering adopting her. Thanks for the leggings site. I will definitely check it out. 

 

mosimom

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Oh my! She is adorable!!

I think you may find the original poster on facebook if she doesn't reply here.
 
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