Hi, all -
I have a question regarding a litter of kittens that we have been rearing since their birth 3 1/2 months ago. Friday night one of the kittens, a female, was trembling and lethargic. I determined that she was dehydrated from a recent round of giardia, for which they were all treated with Flagyl. She was also running a temp. I got her fluids back up and fever down, and by Saturday night she was playing again. However, while all of this was going on, she started favoring her front left leg and limping. After walking on it, it became so painful for her she didn't want to be touched or moved. I started her on leftover amoxicillin to get us through until the vet opens tomorrow. She's barely limping today and seems to be feeling back to her rambunctious self, eating and drinking normally as well. Early this afternoon, one of her healthier littermates started limping too - same leg, and another is barely showing a little tenderness. There has been no trauma. The only recent activity that could cause any sprains would be their new habit of jumping on and off the kitchen countertops, but it seems like a longshot that they would all strain or sprain the same leg at the same time.
Here's my question: Does anyone know of any condition that could contribute to this, that could be spread among littermates? Also, do you think it's just a coincidence that the amoxicillin helped? We're really stumped on this one. We have 8 regular kitten family members and are having an awful time keeping the kittens healthy AND finding them a home. I don't want the regulars to come down with this condition too.
Any thoughts? THANKS!!
Stef
I have a question regarding a litter of kittens that we have been rearing since their birth 3 1/2 months ago. Friday night one of the kittens, a female, was trembling and lethargic. I determined that she was dehydrated from a recent round of giardia, for which they were all treated with Flagyl. She was also running a temp. I got her fluids back up and fever down, and by Saturday night she was playing again. However, while all of this was going on, she started favoring her front left leg and limping. After walking on it, it became so painful for her she didn't want to be touched or moved. I started her on leftover amoxicillin to get us through until the vet opens tomorrow. She's barely limping today and seems to be feeling back to her rambunctious self, eating and drinking normally as well. Early this afternoon, one of her healthier littermates started limping too - same leg, and another is barely showing a little tenderness. There has been no trauma. The only recent activity that could cause any sprains would be their new habit of jumping on and off the kitchen countertops, but it seems like a longshot that they would all strain or sprain the same leg at the same time.
Here's my question: Does anyone know of any condition that could contribute to this, that could be spread among littermates? Also, do you think it's just a coincidence that the amoxicillin helped? We're really stumped on this one. We have 8 regular kitten family members and are having an awful time keeping the kittens healthy AND finding them a home. I don't want the regulars to come down with this condition too.
Any thoughts? THANKS!!
Stef
