Kitten with 'genetic defect'

[lehughes]

I have an assessment of a cat coming up in August. It is a Himalayan cat that is only 3 months old currently. It was the only cat that survived in the litter. The others died of some respiratory complications. The owner told me this cat has a genetic defect that resulted in a condition where she has very stiff joints in the back legs. She said they are stiff and tight and the cat cannot bend through the back legs. The vet wanted to have her put down, but this person rescued her and wanted to try rehab. When I spoke with her, she could not remember the name of the condition the cat has. I was thinking maybe you would be familiar with this and would have some advice. I am hoping it is something I can work with, but I don't know. She said a wheelchair wasn't even possible because the back legs cannot be put up out of the way because they are so stiff.

The kitten is also very tiny for her age. The owner said she was only 2-3lbs and she is 3 months old. She said she is still very active and tries to do a lot despite the stiffness in her hind legs. I told her to get back to me with further information on the condition, but I have not heard from her.

If you have any thoughts or in sights on this, it would be great. I have not treated a cat either, so if she does end up coming in with her, it will be my first cat.

Thanks,
C.R.

[lehughes]

Oh my goodness… I don’t have a clue what it might be. Maybe google - cat symptoms on this, and call / fax the vet she saw and ask for details.
That’s a bit of crazy.
Either way, it sounds like it will be one of those cases, where you won’t be able to plan in advance what to do. You may just need to see what the cat is like.

I’ll post the question onto my FourLeg Forum and see if it rings a bell with any of the vets.

Out of my realm off the top of my head! Sorry!

Laurie