[mineko012]

I wrote in the "breeding" forum that my cat had her kittens last night. Well~ I guess I didn't get a good luck at her last kitten. My bf noticed that the last kitten only has 3 fully formed legs!! The fourth leg (fore-right leg) is only half formed.

Do I need to take him/her to the vet immediately? Or will he be able to live with the 3 legs?

How old before I take them to the vet anyway? I have no clue.

Not a lot of people replied in my topic in the breeding forum. I had some questions there too.

3-legged kitten. Any pertinant advice gratefully accepted!!

 

[schroed3r]

I once had a cat that had her paw caught in a trap. We had to amputate her paw due to it being very mangled and infected. Therefore it became the three legged cat. Cats are remarkable critters and get along just great with 3 legs. She will learn to addapt and hop along. So, I wouldnt worry about her quality of life. I would probably take her to get a check up from the vet to see if there is any risk to her with a partially formed 3rd leg. At least call your vet and ask him what you should do. As for getting around with 3 legs, she will be just fine!

Schroeder

 

[Lilly]

I tried answer your questions in the breeding section.

 

[Aonir]

Cats can adjust quite quickly with 3 legs(unlike humans losing a body part). I had a cat that's leg was amputated, he does really well! He even still climbs trees and gets stuck on the roof.. Since this kitten is born with it, it will be as normal as having 4 legs. Although it may slow the kitten learning to walk

 

[Jeanie]

If in doubt, take the kitten to the vet. I don't think we should even hazard a guess. Is there an open wound? Is he nursing well?

If the kitten has three normal legs, he'll probably be able to get along quite well as an adult. Please make sure the kitten is just as strong as the others and gets enough nourishment. Keep your eyes on it. If you notice anything unusual, please take the kitten to the vet. I will move this to Emergency in hopes that Dr. Jean will answer it. I'm so sorry this has happened, but it might have a perfectly happy ending.

I'm sorry you didn't get the replies you hoped for. Sometimes there are many people online; other times, a few. There was no indication in the title that indicated you needed help. I do hope all goes well for all of the kittens.

 

[drjean]

If the kitten is healthy otherwise, this should not be a problem. "Tripods" do very well. It's probably not indicated to take it to the vet; young kittens are susceptible to all the germs that might be hanging around a clinic; I would wait until they are older.

Once the kitten is old enough to get around well, do watch to make sure the deformed leg is not dragging or causing problems; if so, amputation of the stump might be best.

Cheers,
Dr. Jean

 

[mineko012]

The stump looks almost as if he has the elbow and part of the lower leg INSIDE his skin.

A couple times Aegee put him separate from the other three kittens. But when we put him back with the rest of the litter she's okay with it. She lets him eat and everything. We don't have to help him eat anymore. He finds it fine on his own.

When is the proper age to bring them to the vet? I have no clue.

I'm glad he's ok. I was worried about the little one. And my bf completely adores it!

Z.

 

[drjean]

8-10 weeks of age is about right to bring for first vet visit. I like to give the kitten vaccines at 10 and 14 weeks of age; they're a tad older so more able to handle it, and they only need 2 instead of 3 vaccines. Less is more, in my book!

When are you gonna put up some pictures of these little angels??

Cheers,
Dr. Jean

 

[mineko012]

Runty has a leg??

The 4th kitten (affectionately called Runty) seems to have a fully formed leg JUST under his skin. My bf noticed today that he could "see" the paw under Runty's skin. It seems as if he does have a fully formed leg, but it's trapped under his skin. Is it possible to have an incision made so that his leg can come out? Or is he too young for surgery? I'm afraid that his nails will cut through on its own and release the leg without veternarian supervision. I'm also afraid that the leg, once freed, won't have skin and fur covering like normal legs.

Does this often occur? Is it possible to have his limb surgically released? And will the limb grow skin and fur?

Please advise.

Z.

PS. I put up pictures in the "cat forum" but the links don't seem to work. But you will be able to see the pictures if you copy and paste the links in new browsers.

 

[drjean]

You'd have to have your vet examine that leg and probably x-ray it; possibly you'd need a consultation with an orthopedic specialist. If surgery can be done, it should be done soon so that the leg has a chance to develop normally.

But that's really cool news!

Cheers,
Dr. Jean