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Golden Hearts Animal Sanctuary |
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A Sanctuary For Elderly & Special Needs Animals |
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He may be little, but boy can he get around! Scooter came from a family in Anderson (near Redding) who raised him since birth. He was a difficult delivery for his mother, and was born with pretty significant birth defects. His family was advised by their vet to euthanize him early on, but his great personality won out! They just couldn’t see ending a young life that had so much spirit; and as he grew, it became clear that his disability would not slow him down. Scooter clearly does not know he has a disability. He scoots using his front legs to maneuver around the house, and is just as fast as any “normal” kitten. He has visited all of our veterinarians, and of course, won over many hearts! According to them, he is actually missing some of his vertebrae in his spine, and some of the associated nerves to his hind legs didn’t develop, hence his inability to use them normally. He also has a ribcage that is flattened, shaped just like a humans. These are all symptoms of a condition called Manx syndrome (yes, he also has no tail!) He can live a full lifespan, if we can keep the associated problems controlled. He will be prone to kidney and bladder infections, as the nerves to the bladder are not normal; also, we need to be diligent in keeping his hindquarters clean, as the nerves to his intestinal tract are not normal either, and he has some fecal incontinence. Once he grows up a little more (he’s not even 2 lbs. yet), we will be experimenting with diapering systems to help keep him clean, and yes, even a cart to aid his mobility. NASCAR may be in his future once he’s fitted with wheels!
Update 8/9/05 ~ Scooter’s walkin’! He’s been working hard on his physical therapy program, and he stands on all 4 feet now. He moves by “bunny hopping” with his hind legs together, but when he moves so fast, who can notice? He’s also learning to use the litterbox, and seems to know when he has to go too. No diapers for this kid! They would just slow him down; he has much to do in teaching Shiloh his kitty games!
Update 11/5/05 ~ After losing Shiloh so unexpectedly, we decided to make sure that Scooter was doing as well on the inside as he is on the outside. Today we received the results from his urinalysis and blood work. We were surprised to find that he has some crystals in his urine, so his diet will be changed to a prescription diet made to dissolve crystals and bladder stones. He is also showing some elevated kidney and liver enzymes, so we will be adding supplements for kidney and liver support to his diet as well. We also discussed whether it was okay to neuter him, and agree with our regular veterinarian that it's best to wait at this time. Scooter's very happy to hear that he gets special meals now, we're telling him it's gourmet!
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Scooter |
