Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cats with short front legs, extra toes, and enlarged hearts at 10
By Lockwood, A et al.·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2009·Department of Clinical Sciences·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Bilateral radial hemimelia, polydactyly and cardiomegaly in two cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Two 10-week-old kittens were brought to the vet because they had unusual limb deformities and extra toes. X-rays showed that both kittens had underdeveloped front legs (radial hemimelia) and enlarged hearts (cardiomegaly), along with extra toes on their back legs. The veterinarians decided not to treat them but will keep an eye on their heart health over time. This case highlights potential genetic issues in breeding polydactyl cats and the importance of monitoring for related health problems.
People also search for: kitten limb deformities · polydactyl cat health issues · enlarged heart in cats
Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION: Two feline littermates were presented to the Auburn University Small Animal Clinic at the age of approximately 10 weeks. Both cats had varus thoracic limb deformities bilaterally and pelvic limb polydactyly. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Radiographs revealed bilateral radial hypoplasia (hemimelia), generalised cardiomegaly, and pelvic limb polydactyly. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: No treatment was instituted. Cardiopulmonary changes will be monitored periodically. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The heritability of radial hemimelia has been suggested, but has yet to be proven. In utero environmental causes (teratogens) are another possible cause of congenital radial hemimelia. The presence of bilateral pelvic limb polydactyly, bilateral radial hemimelia, and generalised cardiomegaly in feline littermates may offer more information on the origins of this orthopaedic disorder and the potential undesirable results that can occur when breeding polydactyl cats or cats affected by radial hemimelia.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19876522/