manx syndrome

I recently got a stumpy Manx kitten off of craigslist. I was told she was 13 weeks when I picked her up. She was fed dog food and had no vet care. She is super tiny. About the size of my shoe. Not sure if this was caused by malnutrition or manx are just small? I wasn't informed of any issues with her. When I got her. When I got her home I noticed she has an unsteady gate in her back end. She can run and walk but it's difficult for her to jump. She does use the litter box normally. I am not sure what to expect for the future with her. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Will she eventually loose control of her bowls or bladder? Could her coordination improve or get worse.

Did you see the parent cat when you picked her up?

I don't have any experience with manx kittens, but without a tail, it may take them a little extra time to gain their balance for jumping and such. 

Regardless, you should get her checked by a vet for any possible illnesses.

No, I unfortunately didn't. I know there was 3 other in the litter. They said a couple kittens from previous litters were like her. They are unsure if they grew out of it or not. I am a Certified Veterinary Technician. She has an appointment to be seen tomorrow

I knew I could be getting myself into trouble with getting this kitten with little info. I knew I would be able to give her the care she needs.

I had never heard of Manx syndrome before - I've learned something new today. This has possibly occurred to you, but have you checked out any forums specific to Manx cats? I imagine that there are probably groups out there who can give you a lot of practical information and advice about this condition, if that's what your kitten has. It could also be (and after a cursory reading and before looking into Manx syndrome I thought it probably was) just plain uncoordinated kittendom. My kittens have looked pretty ridiculous when attempting to jump or execute feats of balance, and about one I had brief, unfounded concerns of neurological issues. But you say you're a vet tech and no doubt have seen your average clumsy kitten before, so I trust your judgment.

She's lovely. She's got the kind of face that just makes you want to do whatever you can to protect her, doesn't she? Good luck - I'm glad she found you.

I think Manx Syndrome is mainly seen in purebred Manx, those with no tails at all ("rumpies"). Those with a small stub "(stumpies") don't seem to have that problem. Since this is a random-bred bobtailed cat, not a Manx, and she does have a small stub, I don't think you have to worry . The Manx gene is different from the more common bobtail gene.

I think the main problems you might be looking at are malnutrition and basic lack of care. But since you're a vet tech I'm sure you have a good relationship with a vet and will get her fixed up in no time!

She is actually a "rumpy". She has no coccygeal vertebrae. She has a tuff of hair where her tail would be.