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FROG LEGS

This is a condition one sometimes sees with kittens, a few weeks old. Often one does not know what to do about it.

The hind legs of such a kittens are bowed which makes it nearly impossible for the kitten to move around, the only means in which he can, is by dragging his hind legs. We have done a little survey amongst people on Kattenned.

Is it related to only one breed?

No, it is not! It can happen to Persian, Somali, Abyssinian, Brits etc.

Is it hereditary?

No and there is even no official name for it, although it can happen to cats and dogs.

With piglets, there is something similar and is called "Myofibrilar Hypoplasie Syndrom". Also with sheep there is a similar conditions where the treatment consists of taping the legs as show on the picture with the kitten.

According to a Canadian vet, specialized in cats, the cause is unknown, but a viral infection before birth is thought of to cause a kind of Dystrophy of the muscles.

A shortage of vitamins (E?) might be the cause according to other vets, due to the body having problems with absorbing certain parts of the food.

What can be done about it?

There is no real treatment known, but taping the hind legs

can ameliorate it and helps preventing the "flat chest" one often sees with these frogleg kittens.

Some vets believe that adding extra vitamins etc. to the milk is to no avail, others recommend vitamin E, calcium, or extra food, e.g. KMR. Dr Suzan, a Canadian vet whom some of you may know, states that the condition gets better on its own, even without any special treatment. A conclusion our own survey - 10 answers - supports.

Except for those kittens, of course, that were put down by the vet as being diagnosed to be handicapped for life.

Mrs. Christina Josemans who breeds Somali / Abesinian, wrote:
"a vet who puts a kitten down for this reason?
I sure would like to meet him so I can personally punch him on the nose, and tell him a few truths. I think it's high time he takes a few refresher courses."

Thanks to:

Suzan Meijer, Cathy Krouwel, Christa Josemans, Annet Wouters, Hans en Liedeke Visser etc.

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