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Swimmer Syndrome in Cats
Written By Kim Rain
Published: 02/01/2022Updated: 02/01/2022
What is Swimmer Syndrome?
Swimmer syndrome is a congenital
condition that can affect the limbs of puppies and kittens soon after birth.
All kittens are born with loose ligaments which tighten up as they grow in
their first days and weeks. Sometimes, though, those ligaments don’t tighten
properly, and can cause the legs to splay laterally in a frog-like or swimmer
position. Kittens born with swimmer syndrome are unable to walk on affected
limbs.
This condition is seen in the
early weeks of a kitten’s life, and while it will affect the ability to walk,
it can be treated if action is taken right away. Often, kittens with swimmer syndrome
also develop Flat-Chested
Kitten Syndrome (FCKS), an often-fatal condition involving the flattening
of the breast bones and deflating of the lungs. Swimmer syndrome may be the
cause of FCKS due to the inability of the kitten to get up because of their
affected limbs which forces them to lay on their breast bones during a crucial
growing period.
Symptoms of Swimmer Syndrome in Cats
Symptoms of swimmer syndrome
are centered around the limbs, and can be seen as early as one week after
birth. However, most pet parents will notice the signs around 3 weeks of age
when kittens
generally begin to stand and walk. Signs include:
- Limbs that are splayed to the sides of the body, or lay behind the body, and resemble frog legs or a swimmers pose
- Inability to move limbs and feet below body
- Inability to stand
- Inability to walk
- Losing weight due to inability to get to mother to nurse
Types
A kitten can be affected by one
of three types of swimmer syndrome.
- Only the back two legs are affected. This is the most common type.
- Only the front two legs are affected.
- All four legs are affected.
Causes of Swimmer Syndrome in Cats
The cause of swimmer syndrome
is not fully understood yet, but there are some theories as to why a kitten may
develop this condition. These include:
- Genetics
- Loose tendons around the hips causing too much flexibility
- Mother’s diet was unbalanced, leading to ligament deficits
Diagnosis of Swimmer Syndrome in Cats
Generally, a kitten will be
diagnosed with swimmer syndrome by appearance alone, as the condition noticeably affects
the limbs. Between 1 to 3-weeks of age, a breeder or pet parent may notice an abnormal positioning of the limbs in a kitten. They will keep an eye on it, as
many kittens can present with splayed limbs at the 1 to 2-week mark, but as the
bones and tendons continue to grow, they end up forming normally.
However, if by 3-weeks old, the
limbs are still splayed to the sides of the body, or laying limply behind the
body, swimmer syndrome will be suspected. By this age, kittens are usually
standing and beginning to walk, but a kitten with swimmer syndrome will be
unable to stand, walk or even move their limbs below their body.
A trip to the veterinarian can
confirm the diagnosis after a brief physical exam. Some veterinary
professionals may prescribe euthanasia for the kitten, as without treatment,
they will be unable to walk, and may develop other serious health issues, such
as flat-chested kitten syndrome. Others may recommend an in-home treatment
program that can fix swimmer syndrome and give the kitten back use of their affected
limbs.
Treatment of Swimmer Syndrome in Cats
Treatment for swimmer syndrome aims
to help the affected kitten’s limbs grow properly and back into the normal
positioning to allow them free range of movement. This is done in-home with
simple procedures for about 2 to 4 weeks.
Due to the fact that kittens grow
incredibly fast, time is of the essence. Treatment should begin as soon as the
condition is noticed, ideally between 2 to 4 weeks of age.
Leg wrapping and binding
Using simple medical tape, you
can create hobbles for your kitten, essentially a way to keep the limbs fixed
in a position. First, you’ll need to find the kitten’s knees, located near the
abdomen, and their ankles, just above the paws. Then, the knees are wrapped
with medical tape, and then the ankles are wrapped.
Next, the kitten’s limbs are
manually, but gently, manipulated into the correct position, and then a line of
connecting medical tape is applied between the taped knees, and again between
the taped ankles to keep them firmly in the correct position. You can find
several online sources and videos that show how to do this properly. Keep the tape on
the kitten to encourage the limbs to finish forming properly, removing and
replacing the tape once to twice daily for physical therapy exercises.
Physiotherapy
Physical therapy to help correct
limbs is easy to do at home as well. The tape is removed and a series of movements is performed with the kitten. These can include range of
motion exercises that gently stretch the affected limbs straight and bend
joints to place the foot under the body. Be sure to also bend the legs gently backwards to keep muscles from tightening up from the fixed position caused by
the tape.
Other exercises include placing
the kitten in your lap and gently bicycling the legs, placing the kitten’s feet
underneath their body while they are eating, and encouraging them to take some
steps using a toy. Massaging each affected leg while holding it in the correct position
can also help.
Once a kitten begins to walk,
you can also use DIY walkways that force the kitten to walk through a narrow
corridor with their taped legs to practice walking in the correct position.
Environmental
changes
Help your growing kitten and
make sure there aren’t obstacles for them to trip over in their environment. Also,
you’ll need to create a surface with enough traction to help them as they begin
to stand and walk. Wood flooring or tiles are too slippery, so opt for
carpeting that gives them more traction. Buy a sample piece of carpet, carpet
tiles or a rug that you can place where they’ll be walking if necessary,
including in a pen.
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Recovery of Swimmer Syndrome in Cats
For a kitten without treatment,
swimmer syndrome can cause an inability to stand or walk, and due to the extra
amount of time laying down during crucial growth periods, it can also cause
other medical issues, some of which can be fatal. This is the reason why some
veterinary professionals suggest euthanasia.
With in-home treatment, however,
most kittens can have a full recovery, so long as the treatment begins early,
and lasts long enough for the kitten’s limbs to form into their correct
positions. With patience, perseverance and a lot of adjusting as they grow, you can help a kitten
with swimmer syndrome be fully rehabilitated and grow up to have free
range of motion in all their limbs.
A kitten suffering from swimmer syndrome can be expensive to
treat. If you suspect your kitten is at risk of this congenital condition, start searching for
pet insurance today. Wag!’s pet insurance comparison tool lets you compare
plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Embrace. Find
the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!
Cost of Swimmer Syndrome in Cats
The
average cost of treating swimmer syndrome: $20 - $150
