Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Kittens born with severe hind leg tarsal hyperextension problem
By Buote, Nicole J & Reese, Catherine J·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2006·Angell Animal Medical Center-Boston, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Congenital tarsal hyperextension in three cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Three kittens were brought to the vet because they couldn't walk properly due to a leg deformity. The kittens had a condition called tarsal hyperextension, which meant their hind legs were bent in a way that made it difficult for them to bear weight. The vet applied fiberglass casts to support their legs, changing them weekly as the kittens grew. After the casts were removed, the owners helped with physical therapy, and all three kittens showed good improvement and were able to walk normally.
People also search for: kitten leg deformity treatment · tarsal hyperextension in cats · physical therapy for kittens
Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION: 3 kittens were examined because of a malformation affecting the hind limbs, resulting in an inability to bear weight or ambulate normally. CLINICAL FINDINGS: 2 kittens were younger than 6 weeks of age, and 1 was 4 months of age at the time of initial examination. The congenital abnormality was characterized by severe tarsal hyperextension in which weight was borne on the cranial aspect of the tarsus, and the plantar surface of the metatarsus faced dorsally. In 2 kittens, the condition affected both hind limbs, and in the older kitten, the condition was unilateral. In the 2 kittens in which radiographs were obtained, no bone abnormalities were detected. Full-cylinder fiberglass casts were applied and changed weekly to accommodate growth. Owners administered physical therapy after final cast removal. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Conservative management involving external coaptation and physical therapy led to favorable results in all 3 cats. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although further studies are needed to determine the etiology of the disorder, affected kittens may be successfully treated with conservative management. Owners should be committed to the necessity for returning cats for serial cast changes, care for pressure sores, and administration of physical therapy after cast removal.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16618221/