I have a premature 2 week old kitten. His chest is not like his full term sister's. It's very wide instead of round. Anyone have experience with this? It just happened today. 
He's eating and doing very well.
He's eating and doing very well.-
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Flat Chested Kitten Syndrome??
- Thread starter fatedone
- Start Date
@fatedone the more you can keep him off of his chest the better.
In your other thread I said his brother, sorry I meant sister!!
I posted in your other thread about this.
In your other thread I said his brother, sorry I meant sister!!
I posted in your other thread about this.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #3
I just read it. Thank you so much. Can I do the toilet paper roll thing tonight? If so, how tight? I know I will have to cut the roll so it will open to fit him, and cut it in half just to cover his ribs. I'm so worried about him. Having lost his 3 siblings, it would shatter me to lose him too. His sister would be so alone. I never imagined having kittens would be so traumatizing. I'm so scared that he will fade away.
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- #4
I don't know about advising you to do this.
I think maybe you should get him to a vet, just so he can show you in person the correct way to do it.
You don't want to squish him which WILL restrict his breathing, and I can't show you over the net, so I'm not comfortable with doing this unless a vet shows you how.
The idea is basically to add a small amt of pressure to the sides of his ribcage which will cause the chest to push outward.
But it's not something that should be snug against him all the way around.
It's like the second pic, imagine a small piece of cardboard, a rectangle, that is scored so it will fold on his back, but not scored on eaither side, then attached together in front.
This would make a bit of pressure on the sides as it is drawn together and fastened at the front of his chest.
Do you see what I mean?
Just take him in to be examined, the vet will be much more helpful in person and tell you what his breathing sounds like too, how bad the flatness is/not.
I think maybe you should get him to a vet, just so he can show you in person the correct way to do it.
You don't want to squish him which WILL restrict his breathing, and I can't show you over the net, so I'm not comfortable with doing this unless a vet shows you how.
The idea is basically to add a small amt of pressure to the sides of his ribcage which will cause the chest to push outward.
But it's not something that should be snug against him all the way around.
It's like the second pic, imagine a small piece of cardboard, a rectangle, that is scored so it will fold on his back, but not scored on eaither side, then attached together in front.
This would make a bit of pressure on the sides as it is drawn together and fastened at the front of his chest.
Do you see what I mean?
Just take him in to be examined, the vet will be much more helpful in person and tell you what his breathing sounds like too, how bad the flatness is/not.
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- #6
Ok, I see what you mean. How does a kitten eat like that? He's too big for a toilet roll, and I'll make an appointment in the morning for him to be seen as soon as possible. I tried to get a photo but you can't really tell without feeling because of his hair.I don't know about advising you to do this.
I think maybe you should get him to a vet, just so he can show you in person the correct way to do it.
You don't want to squish him which WILL restrict his breathing, and I can't show you over the net, so I'm not comfortable with doing this unless a vet shows you how.
The idea is basically to add a small amt of pressure to the sides of his ribcage which will cause the chest to push outward.
But it's not something that should be snug against him all the way around.
It's like the second pic, imagine a small piece of cardboard, a rectangle, that is scored so it will fold on his back, but not scored on eaither side, then attached together in front.
This would make a bit of pressure on the sides as it is drawn together and fastened at the front of his chest.
Do you see what I mean?
Just take him in to be examined, the vet will be much more helpful in person and tell you what his breathing sounds like too, how bad the flatness is/not.
It's likely removed to eat, then put back on.
Great if you get an appt tmrw. He will be okay another day or so, but obviously the sooner the better, he is growing at the fastest rate he will the rest of his life right now, so I wouldn't wait at all.
Glad you came and said something about this
Great if you get an appt tmrw. He will be okay another day or so, but obviously the sooner the better, he is growing at the fastest rate he will the rest of his life right now, so I wouldn't wait at all.
Glad you came and said something about this
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #8
Well, the vet said he'd be fine wearing a "corset" since he'd be too distressed wearing a splint. So I have to pick up horse wrap and change it every 2 days. He put some on him at the office. He said I could also cut a small sock and put cotton balls in it to take the pressure off his chest. He did try to make a splint but since he can't walk very well he'd like me to use the wrap instead but sent the splint home with us anyways. His respirtory rate was pretty high there so he said it doesn't look very good for him.
No it is not a good sign that his rate is high, however! This is not to say he won't be able to get the pressure off of his chest asap with the corset/wrap.
It's a matter of reshaping his ribcage asap since they grow like weeds now and daily change, so stay positive and vigilant, it can only help to try, lots of kittens can be saved if the wraps are good and get that pressure off of him.
Once he is up walking which is in another week he will be able to wear a splint, which is ALOT more helpful in getting those ribs growing correctly.
You might want to add some really soft but not smothering type of cushioning in their nursing area, rather than his chest laying on a harder flat surface while he is still not walking.
It's a matter of reshaping his ribcage asap since they grow like weeds now and daily change, so stay positive and vigilant, it can only help to try, lots of kittens can be saved if the wraps are good and get that pressure off of him.
Once he is up walking which is in another week he will be able to wear a splint, which is ALOT more helpful in getting those ribs growing correctly.
You might want to add some really soft but not smothering type of cushioning in their nursing area, rather than his chest laying on a harder flat surface while he is still not walking.
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Okay new day.
A couple of things I want to tell you about that I realized I had not mentioned yesterday.
One is, this next week is going to have a very big impact on whether or not he makes it.
Statistically, if a kitten makes it past 3 weeks old his chances are very good, regardless of how bad his condition is.
If it was extremely bad he would likely not still be alive now.
I think this has ALOT to do with him getting up off of his chest since he will be up on his legs mostly rather than scooting on his chest, aiding it to be flattened.
This next part is VERY big.
He absolutely MUST gain an appropriate amount of weight every single day. Due to the limited breathing a kitten will tend to slack off on the amt of nursing he does, which you will not be aware of since they appear to be nursing but are really not intaking, just latching on, which in turn will not keep his muscles thriving and strengthening, and he will not survive.
He must gain between 9 and 14 grams every single day. You can use this as a guide to tell you if he needs to be supplemented more or less.
Minimum gain daily should be 8 for him now. MINIMUM.
Between the steady weight gain and the corset until he can get off of his chest is critical for his survival.
I know it's alot of work but mostly for this next week to get him through this. Then the worst part will be past and he can be splinted for a short time and as you see his chest begin to grow properly he will be fully out of the woods.
I have my own version in my head of a splint he can be wearing now, but it's almost impossible to describe. Wish I were there!
BTW I was born and raised in Detroit Came to California for a 3 week vacation to visit mom when I was 19 and never went back!! MANY years ago........
For my own curiosity if you can post pics of him on his back with arms up, and maybe a side view I'd love to see how flat it is now.
There is another member her @Mani who has a cat who has pectus excavatum who survived. This is a more extreme condition than fck (flat chested kitten) syndrome even, as the sternum actually curves inward in the center rather than flat.
A couple of things I want to tell you about that I realized I had not mentioned yesterday.
One is, this next week is going to have a very big impact on whether or not he makes it.
Statistically, if a kitten makes it past 3 weeks old his chances are very good, regardless of how bad his condition is.
If it was extremely bad he would likely not still be alive now.
I think this has ALOT to do with him getting up off of his chest since he will be up on his legs mostly rather than scooting on his chest, aiding it to be flattened.
This next part is VERY big.
He absolutely MUST gain an appropriate amount of weight every single day. Due to the limited breathing a kitten will tend to slack off on the amt of nursing he does, which you will not be aware of since they appear to be nursing but are really not intaking, just latching on, which in turn will not keep his muscles thriving and strengthening, and he will not survive.
He must gain between 9 and 14 grams every single day. You can use this as a guide to tell you if he needs to be supplemented more or less.
Minimum gain daily should be 8 for him now. MINIMUM.
Between the steady weight gain and the corset until he can get off of his chest is critical for his survival.
I know it's alot of work but mostly for this next week to get him through this. Then the worst part will be past and he can be splinted for a short time and as you see his chest begin to grow properly he will be fully out of the woods.
I have my own version in my head of a splint he can be wearing now, but it's almost impossible to describe. Wish I were there!
BTW I was born and raised in Detroit
Came to California for a 3 week vacation to visit mom when I was 19 and never went back!! MANY years ago........For my own curiosity if you can post pics of him on his back with arms up, and maybe a side view I'd love to see how flat it is now.
There is another member her @Mani who has a cat who has pectus excavatum who survived. This is a more extreme condition than fck (flat chested kitten) syndrome even, as the sternum actually curves inward in the center rather than flat.
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- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #11
Ok, I got the photos you asked for. Also his weight gain is still steady, one day he actually gained 15g. But levels around 7-9g per day usually. I've "softened" the nest as you advised, I replaced everything with some minky blankets that have fleece innards. I had bought KMR before they were born just in case, and have a bottle if he starts going downhill. His mom keeps taking his wrap off. I've gone through quite a bit of it already.Okay new day.
A couple of things I want to tell you about that I realized I had not mentioned yesterday.
One is, this next week is going to have a very big impact on whether or not he makes it.
Statistically, if a kitten makes it past 3 weeks old his chances are very good, regardless of how bad his condition is.
If it was extremely bad he would likely not still be alive now.
I think this has ALOT to do with him getting up off of his chest since he will be up on his legs mostly rather than scooting on his chest, aiding it to be flattened.
This next part is VERY big.
He absolutely MUST gain an appropriate amount of weight every single day. Due to the limited breathing a kitten will tend to slack off on the amt of nursing he does, which you will not be aware of since they appear to be nursing but are really not intaking, just latching on, which in turn will not keep his muscles thriving and strengthening, and he will not survive.
He must gain between 9 and 14 grams every single day. You can use this as a guide to tell you if he needs to be supplemented more or less.
Minimum gain daily should be 8 for him now. MINIMUM.
Between the steady weight gain and the corset until he can get off of his chest is critical for his survival.
I know it's alot of work but mostly for this next week to get him through this. Then the worst part will be past and he can be splinted for a short time and as you see his chest begin to grow properly he will be fully out of the woods.
I have my own version in my head of a splint he can be wearing now, but it's almost impossible to describe. Wish I were there!
BTW I was born and raised in Detroit
For my own curiosity if you can post pics of him on his back with arms up, and maybe a side view I'd love to see how flat it is now.
There is another member her @Mani
who has a cat who has pectus excavatum who survived. This is a more extreme condition than fck (flat chested kitten) syndrome even, as the sternum actually curves inward in the center rather than flat.
His respirtory rate was near 70 yesterday but has hovered around 50 today. I know that's still not normal but it gave me a little hope that the wrap has taken some pressure off his lungs. Do you think I'd be able to talk to Mani about their experience?If you can, are you able to make your idea of a splint and maybe send a picture? I know that's a lot to ask and you've already helped me so much but I just want to help him any way I can.
I lived in California for a year in 2011-2012. Long Beach to be exact. I miss it so much!
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- #12
@fatedone I had virtually no advice except some internet articles when Sundar was a kitten. I really had to 'wing it' and used techniques I basically made up, using massage and a lot of stretching... their bones are developing and it is possible to change the process a little. But I couldn't splint him as pressure on the sides would cause the ribs to curl in more, so you're in a much better situation. I think Catwoman707 has a lot more experience and I think her advice is excellent. I wish she had been around on TCS when Sundar was a kitten!
I'm really plugging for this little one!
I'm really plugging for this little one!
A good friend rescued a "flat" kitten last year. The veterinarian performed surgery and popped it back out. He charged her next to nothing, as he allowed his students to observe, as, thankfully this is a very rare thing. Smokey is a very small cat, but is healthy, runs and plays, and was just neutered.
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- #15
Thank you, although your situation is different, it leaves me really hopeful that this little guy can overcome this. How does Sundar look today? I'm not worried about appearances of my little guy (I named him Rome, because he's strong), but just curious.
Oh my. My vet said there was no way to do surgery without breaking his ribs, which could leave him in a vulnerable state for the rest of his days. He is comfortable with the gradual process of reshaping his chest. I am just praying so hard that my guy makes it. He has already overcome being premature, I hope he can pull through this too.
They're all different, and what works for one kitten may not help another. In Smokey's case, surgery was the best option. He was having extreme difficulty breathing and his chances for survival without the surgery were low. He spent weeks in a sort of soft cast and it was a bit touch and go there, but he's a happy little fellow now.
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- #17
That's so lovely to hear!
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I have been so busy today trapping cats for relocating, down at the humane society advising and helping out there, took pics of this darling little blind kitten who is a snowshoe siamese that is just the cutest thing ever, along with a couple of other places I had to go to for cat purposes, then the grocery store only to come home to a ton of emails and meeting dates, etc. Ugh!!Ok, I got the photos you asked for. Also his weight gain is still steady, one day he actually gained 15g. But levels around 7-9g per day usually. I've "softened" the nest as you advised, I replaced everything with some minky blankets that have fleece innards. I had bought KMR before they were born just in case, and have a bottle if he starts going downhill. His mom keeps taking his wrap off. I've gone through quite a bit of it already.His respirtory rate was near 70 yesterday but has hovered around 50 today. I know that's still not normal but it gave me a little hope that the wrap has taken some pressure off his lungs. Do you think I'd be able to talk to Mani about their experience?
If you can, are you able to make your idea of a splint and maybe send a picture? I know that's a lot to ask and you've already helped me so much but I just want to help him any way I can.
I lived in California for a year in 2011-2012. Long Beach to be exact. I miss it so much!
Glad my dh loves fishing so he's not needing my attention too! Cats come first honey
))Anyway, what I would make is alot like the pics I posted, the first 2, but in my mind he should be wearing it the other way around.
Especially since he is not walking around yet.
In a simple description, it would be something like 2 oval shaped pieces of cardboard cut out for panels to go on each side of him, but the arm slots should be cut into one end, not like a jacket but more like one end of the oval that goes on his back and meets with the other side will have a U shape cut out, so ....................omg ok let me see if I can explain with a picture.
It wont be cardboard but will explain what I at least am trying to say!
Okay don't laugh!!
Hopefully it gives you an idea of how I would do it.
The first pic shows you how it would be worn, up over his back.
The second pic is the pattern/how to cut it out.
The third with the half q-tips shows where the support should go, from where to where, and the fourth is how the inside would be when wearing.
The pen marks on the ends is where it should be attached to something like a thick rubber band, it can be tied too but thought the rubber band for a bit of tension.
The lower end that will be on his chest will be open but is where it will attach together.
You see where the q-tips are is where you need the stiffness to be, so that when it is drawn together at his chest it will squeeze his ribcage slightly, just about the same amt of pressure you would use if holding the baby in your hand and with the other hand lightly squeezing his ribs together.
You can use this type of shape pattern and cut it out of anything, thick soft fabric I would use, fleece or thick sweatshirt fabric. Just not stretchy basically.
You can use anything for the supports, a piece of a popsicle stick, whatever, but best if sticks are attached to the outer side so he doesn't have wooden sticks poking his sides!
Just keep it soft, not tight just a bit of tension on it (which is why I'd try using a rubberband) and making sure whatever the stiff support that will be squeezing his ribs in is very well padded/soft.
He can even wear this all day long, just would check it often.
Hopefully it gives you an idea of how I would do it.
The first pic shows you how it would be worn, up over his back.
The second pic is the pattern/how to cut it out.
The third with the half q-tips
shows where the support should go, from where to where, and the fourth is how the inside would be when wearing.The pen marks on the ends is where it should be attached to something like a thick rubber band, it can be tied too but thought the rubber band for a bit of tension.
The lower end that will be on his chest will be open but is where it will attach together.
You see where the q-tips are is where you need the stiffness to be, so that when it is drawn together at his chest it will squeeze his ribcage slightly, just about the same amt of pressure you would use if holding the baby in your hand and with the other hand lightly squeezing his ribs together.
You can use this type of shape pattern and cut it out of anything, thick soft fabric I would use, fleece or thick sweatshirt fabric. Just not stretchy basically.
You can use anything for the supports, a piece of a popsicle stick, whatever, but best if sticks are attached to the outer side so he doesn't have wooden sticks poking his sides!
Just keep it soft, not tight just a bit of tension on it (which is why I'd try using a rubberband) and making sure whatever the stiff support that will be squeezing his ribs in is very well padded/soft.
He can even wear this all day long, just would check it often.
Sundar has a pretty deformed spine, so side on he looks a bit wonky, but he certainly doesn't seem to mind. If you put him on his back there's a very distinct 'hole' where the ribs go in, but the actual ribs have 'rounded' a little with age which is just wonderful. He was prem, too, and none of the others survived.
The only problem he has is that he will gasp for breath if he overdoes it.. but he's pretty laid back, so that doesn't happen very often. I don't know what problems he'll have down the track, but that relates more to his spine. For now he's a very happy two year old.
How good is the advice from Catwoman707! That splint is a work of art!
Sending lots of
