Flat chest syndrome in kittens is a pathology in which there is a dorsoventral flattening of the chest. The defect is recognized almost immediately because the kitten’s ribs and sternum are easily palpable.
Symptoms
The disease is recognized by the following symptoms:
- Sprawling forelegs;
- Heavy breathing;
- lethargy;
- stunting;
- open mouth;
- loss of consciousness.
Causes
As for the causes of flat-chested kittens, they are not fully understood. Scientists put forward only a few suggestions about the factors of abnormality development:
- unfavorable environmental conditions in which the pregnant mother cat lived;
- influence of viruses and bacteria on the organism of the pregnant cat;
- malnutrition while carrying kittens may cause a lack of calcium to affect the formation of brittle bone tissue;
- genetic predisposition, that is, the kitten may have inherited the disease from its parents.
Treatment
Suspecting problems in the health of the kitten, it is necessary to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Flat-chest syndrome in kittens often has a vague prognosis, but physical therapy can correct the situation in many cases. The treatment is done twice a day, with the paws flexed and massaged. If the animal spreads its legs and likes to lie on its back or stomach, then you should turn it on its side and keep it in this position for a few minutes.
Surgical correction for flat breasts in kittens is not performed before 8 weeks from their birth. This technique is very successful in correcting the defect.