Six flat kittens...Holy cats! I've got them all splinted up but am looking for suggestions to get the little swimmers' legs under them where they ought to be. I've had a couple of good ones so far. Have any of you experienced swimmer kittens?
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Flat, Flat, Flat, Flat, Flat, FLAT!!!
- Thread starter chromium blues
- Start Date
I don't have any experience but hoping @catwoman707 comes along to give you some advice.
Yeah, we had a couple three such treads, and it was Catwomans advices which were the big differance there... So if you are impatient, seek on kitten flat chest syndrome.... Or wait patiently on our knowleable Catwoman.
Of course, if other members have good advices or links, they are more then welcome to participate here.
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- #4
I've seen threads on this site that address the front end of the swimmer kitten, but not the rear, which is what we're having difficulty with. They are wearing their tube splints contentedly. Suzette is starting to get her back legs under her, and so is Omelette, but the others are decidedly splay-legged in the back end. IHOP is the only one who is splay-legged in the front, as well.
It was like physical therapy, where the kittens legs were gently massaged and slowly moved forward.
@catwoman707 is usually on later in the day.
@catwoman707 is usually on later in the day.
You caught me! Earlier than usual.
So am I understanding correctly that the entire litter have swimmer's, as well as flat chested?
So am I understanding correctly that the entire litter have swimmer's, as well as flat chested?
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- #7
Yes, they are flat little swimmers, this bunch. Suzette has the best legs, but she has had difficulty breathing (the splint seems to be helping that - she looks better to-day). IHOP is very flat, splay-legged fore and aft. Rebel's chest isn't as bad, but her legs are. Flapjack, Eggo, and Omelette fall in somewhere between Suzette and IHOP. To-night, I am going to try putting them in slings and hanging them up so that their legs dangle.
Did you happen to read http://www.thecatsite.com/t/290989/flat-chested-kitten-syndrome
I was able to help the op with the 'crude' vest design, describing it in detail and how it needs to be gently squeezing and adjusted daily.
Am I guessing they were born prematurely?
Swimmer's is all about physical therapy to gently massage and stretch the muscles so they will grow and remain corrected as the muscles grow.
The younger the better without a doubt.
It's not a deformity, simply during development they were forced to stay and develop in a crowded womb, so the idea is to work them back to where they are supposed to be and allowed to grow in to normal legs.
I'm not sure how to describe what I would do, but for the worst ones I would actually create some sort of splint for the legs too, for instance if the kitten were able to stand/walk, but the legs continued to splay outward then flat, I would put a band of tape so that when they tried to go out, they can't, keeping them together with a small space between them. It doesn't take long at all for the legs to straighten out at a very young age since now is the time they are growing at such a tremendous speed.
I was able to help the op with the 'crude' vest design, describing it in detail and how it needs to be gently squeezing and adjusted daily.
Am I guessing they were born prematurely?
Swimmer's is all about physical therapy to gently massage and stretch the muscles so they will grow and remain corrected as the muscles grow.
The younger the better without a doubt.
It's not a deformity, simply during development they were forced to stay and develop in a crowded womb, so the idea is to work them back to where they are supposed to be and allowed to grow in to normal legs.
I'm not sure how to describe what I would do, but for the worst ones I would actually create some sort of splint for the legs too, for instance if the kitten were able to stand/walk, but the legs continued to splay outward then flat, I would put a band of tape so that when they tried to go out, they can't, keeping them together with a small space between them. It doesn't take long at all for the legs to straighten out at a very young age since now is the time they are growing at such a tremendous speed.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #9
www.ramsescats.co.uk "Swimmer Kittens"
Ribs are shaping up nicely. I have taped the back feet in place and they are learning to get around better. I can no longer feel Suzette's heart pounding against her ribs. IHOP is round, not rectangular.
Thanks for all the help!
Ribs are shaping up nicely. I have taped the back feet in place and they are learning to get around better. I can no longer feel Suzette's heart pounding against her ribs. IHOP is round, not rectangular.
Thanks for all the help!
Excellent news!
Even better is it really only takes maybe a week of reshaping the ribs and they will usually continue to grow properly, just watch and if needed put the vest back on for a few as a reminder if they look like they want to go inward again.
Great job!
Even better is it really only takes maybe a week of reshaping the ribs and they will usually continue to grow properly, just watch and if needed put the vest back on for a few as a reminder if they look like they want to go inward again.
Great job!
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #11
Update:
The kittens were one month old on Saturday 7 August.
As of yesterday, Sunday 8 August, everyone is free of their splints. Suzette, Eggo, and Flapjack are free of their hobbles. IHOP finally took his very first steps last night and is walking (unsteadily, still, but walking) to-day. Another couple of days and Rebel should not need her hobbles anymore, and it won't be much longer for Omelette either. We go to the veterinarian to-morrow and hopefully all is well. Everyone has gained weight beautifully. The swimmers' syndrome has been more of a challenge than the flatness.
Thank you all for the help!
The kittens were one month old on Saturday 7 August.
As of yesterday, Sunday 8 August, everyone is free of their splints. Suzette, Eggo, and Flapjack are free of their hobbles. IHOP finally took his very first steps last night and is walking (unsteadily, still, but walking) to-day. Another couple of days and Rebel should not need her hobbles anymore, and it won't be much longer for Omelette either. We go to the veterinarian to-morrow and hopefully all is well. Everyone has gained weight beautifully. The swimmers' syndrome has been more of a challenge than the flatness.
Thank you all for the help!
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #13
All six kittens got a clean bill of health to-day at the veterinarian. Hearts and lungs sound good!
