3week old kitten has never used her left front leg

[kits-n-cats-forever]

Hi everyone!
Kit is turning 3 weeks tomorrow.
she is active and nursing well, high spirits. However, she is a bit more wobbly and slower than her sisters.
vet says he doesn’t want to do an X-ray at this age, prescribed antibiotics instead in case of infection.

however I believe it may need to be wrapped.
she never seems to be in pain, she just has never really used the arm. The joint around the elbow feels a little bit thicker than the other side and it basically always bent. She will extend it forward and wobble until it touches the ground the scoot forward with her body and other limbs.

Photos provided

 

[FeebysOwner]

Hi there! I think before Kit gets a lot older, if it were me, I would want to consult with a specialty group that has an ortho vet on staff. This could be something that can be corrected more easily the younger she is - and they will be able to advise you more thoroughly on the issue related to x-rays/testing on such a young kitten. A lot of the ortho specialists can even use palpation to identify the most probable causes. She looks like a cutie!

 

[kits-n-cats-forever]

Thank you! She is soooo adorable! We will be back to the vet at six weeks where we can do an x-ray. I did a little research and I’m wondering if she is a “twisty cat” or “kangaroo cat”! It seems as if her “forearm” is shorter than the other. Which would match the description of Radial Hypoplasia. Regardless, I hope it something she will live with normally

 

[Sarthur2]

You can go ahead and wrap the front leg. The tape will help to stabilize the leg and possibly straighten it.

I would not wait 6 weeks on an x-ray. Please insist on an X-ray or take her elsewhere for one. The problem needs correcting now — not down the road. Her bones and tendons are malleable now and more easily corrected.

K kits-n-cats-forever

 

[kits-n-cats-forever]

Thank you for the response! Do you have more info on how to wrap it until I get her in for X-ray?

 

[kits-n-cats-forever]

Oh and I mean her six week old check up not six more weeks from now. So, 3 weeks from now. But I see what you mean by her bones being a lot easier to fix now. X-ray at 6 week check up was recommendation from her vet if the antibiotic does clear up the issues. She is on for 10 days.

Also! Have you ever seen this before?

 

[Sarthur2]

I still would not wait 3 more weeks. I don’t know if your kitten has a congenital deformity (birth defect) and the leg is actually shorter, or if there is a problem at her joint, or if it’s a version of Swimmer’s Syndrome in which something gets twisted and needs straightening, but this is exactly what you need to find out ASAP so that you know how to properly treat it.

Kitten Lady has several videos about treating Swimmer’s Syndrome and how to tape legs; however, you still need to know what is wrong.

From your description, it sounds like your kitten cannot put weight on that leg. Does it cause pain? Is it the joint? If so, can it be fixed? We just don’t know the issue, which is why you need an X-ray right away, and I’m shocked that your vet thinks it’s okay to wait. It’s not okay, and on second thought, I’m not sure you should tape the leg until you know exactly what the issue is. I wouldn’t want the taping to make something worse.

Can you get an X-ray done next week?

 

[FeebysOwner]

I don't think it is a good idea to wrap it either. Can you ask your vet to confer with an ortho specialist about how soon x-rays can be done, and what else in the meantime might be helpful?

 

[Taylor0614]

I agree with the above not waiting for the xray and I also would not wrap it not knowing what is wrong with the kitten I would get a second opinion and get xrays this week the sooner the vet knows what is wrong the sooner treatment can start being wrapping it or whatever they deem appropriate treatment and if it is just wrapping it the vet needs to show u exactly how to wrap it for whatever is wrong with her specifically this way it isn't getting wrapped and stabilized in the wrong way or wrong placement so definitely think a second opinion or specialist with xrays this week to see what can be done for the kitten I personally wouldn't go back to the vet who wants to wait that is me tho

 

[kits-n-cats-forever]

Got it! Thank you all. Here in Chicago we have a few places that offer specialized services but they are always booked out about a month and are incredibly expensive in my experience. Hopefully the vet can get an X-ray and get us started.

 

[IndyJones]

I will add cats do very well with three legs. I had a barn cat who eventualy had one of his legs amputated, it never worked right after he was tossed off a truck as a kitten. But he adapted well after it was eventualy amputated.

 

[Sarthur2]

Your local vet should be able to do an in-office X-ray and see what is going on with the front leg. Most regular vets have X-ray machines, especially in big cities. A specialist may not be needed. I think it’s more a matter of getting a basic first X-ray as soon as possible and taking it from there.

 

[StefanZ]

I agree with my collegues.... You know the basic problem, the knee... So you need to have contact with an ortopedic specialist, aside of your regular vet...
IF there is a treatment to do, it should prob be better to start it early rather than later on...

I suppose the self x-ray can be done locally... Still may be best if you have the ortoped specialist to advise exact what point of view for the x-ray...

Its no shame to get a second opinion from a specialist, no vet is supposed to know everything... Even if not all vets are willing to send a patient further on.

 

[kits-n-cats-forever]

So much support. I am thankful and know that I can come here for advice with anything I encounter. Eager to find out what’s going on with her little leg. I am most happy that she is thriving despite her circumstance.