My kitten has birth defects. What health issues should I watch for?

The first two listed conditions are genetic. Where there is one or two genetic abnormalities, there may be more that have not yet become apparent. It is impossible to predict if she will eventually develop any other conditions. have her examined by your vet to rule out infection in the eyes or obstructed tear ducts.Keep the eyes clean using a warm, moist cloth. Pain medication may be indicated to manage the discomfort associated with the loss of her tail. Daily brushing, using a pet approved toothbrush and tooth paste, may promote periodontal health. Have the vet examine her mouth to diagnose any periodontal issues.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Weebil is adorable and I love his name! He likely had a congenital defect or trauma at birth. I have seen the umbilical chord wrap around paws, legs and tails causing deformities. As for the head bobbing it could be just do to the lameness and paw deformities (use the head to balance) or he could have a mild form of cerebellar hypoplasia which is due to his mother being infected by panleukopenia while pregnant. Animals with this condition live a normal life but are "special." I wish you all the best!

Hi ! Your kitten needs to see a vet ASAP, to understand if there is a proble with her pelvis or with her back. The longer she is left, the less chance she has to recover sadly. Also she is going to be in a lot of pain which is also a big concern. I hope she can be treated and she can go back to full health soon. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach !

He may have a congenital deformity or an injury from before you got him. X-rays would help your vet determine what is going on with his bones to make his walk seem wrong. But there may be nothing we can do to fix it. As long as he can eat, drink, and use the potty, he will be able to adapt to any situation! Just remember that if he has trouble walking he may not be able to get away from other pets, so he should never be let outside, and you may consider not getting any other dogs or cats while you have him.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. There is definitely a possibility of congenital defect. He could be the runt of the litter, he could have dwarfism, or he could just have an abnormal skeleton. The runt of the litter or a "depressed", poor doing kitten often has an underlying reason for being that way. Is there a liver shunt? Heart defect? Brain abnormality? If you want to know for sure, you'd need to see a vet who may be able to tell some based on the physical exam but who may also recommend bloodwork and/or x-rays. Pain assessment is difficult to begin with in cats but I certainly could not tell you if he were in pain without an exam. My gut says he is likely not painful because he is eating and resting comfortably - but again, no way to know for sure without an exam. Long story short, get a vet involved soon to help weigh in on what might be going on. For now, keep doing what you're doing: feed him plenty, love on him lots, treat him gently, and keep watching. Best of luck to you and the kitten!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry to hear Nova had an accident that caused a leg issue. I would recommend he be re-evaluated by a veterinarian, or even an orthopedic specialist. At his age, it may be permanent, but depending on the type of injury there may be a possibility for a procedure to improve things. Good luck!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Mayo! I would be sure she is eating, drinking and urinating. If she isn't urinating then she needs to be seen sooner than later. Otherwise if she is doing those things, just keep her confined so she doesn't jump or fall down the stairs. A large dog crate or baby play yard would work. I wish you the best!