Rickets in a kitten: causes, symptoms, treatment

A small kitten, like a child, is susceptible to various diseases. A growing organism should receive a full set of nutrients, vitamins and minerals, so that all systems develop and function normally. Today we want to consider such a common violation as rickets in a kitten. And it concerns not only abandoned to the mercy of fate, homeless creatures, but also offspring of thoroughbred animals. It can be seen right away, since they stand out strongly against the background of their peers.

From the first days

An experienced breeder can immediately determine rickets in a kitten. He will look weak, the coat will be dull, besides there is a loose stool and vomiting. Such crumbs will not be good at gaining weight, often sleeping and falling behind in development. If you have a cat for the first time brought offspring, the lack of experience may prevent you from recognizing the disease in time. However, there is an optimal solution: if the condition of the pet is a concern, do not self-medicate, but contact a doctor. Rickets in a kitten is well adjusted only at an early stage, so do not waste time.

From theory to practice

There is an opinion that this ailment is a consequence of the lack of sun, so with the onset of spring, the state of the body will return to normal. However, in reality everything is not quite so. Let's take a closer look at what rickets are. This is a formidable chronic disease, which is associated with a violation of the quality of the formation of bones and the skeleton as a whole. There are usually two reasons: lack of minerals in the diet and metabolic disorders, which lead to a developmental lag.

We come very close to what rickets are. These are the developmental defects of the musculoskeletal system and the accompanying disorders associated with a lack of calcium, vitamin D or phosphorus in the diet. If a cat during a pregnancy is poorly nourished, then the appearance of such a deviation can not be called a miracle. If the first months of life do not care for the crumbs quite well (this concerns nutrition), then the result is likely to be similar.

At what age does

It is very important to look at the offspring every day. This is the only way to notice rickets in a kitten. Symptoms are bright enough, so do not miss if you know what to look for. The most favorable time for the development of this violation is the age from two weeks to six months. Right now, growth is so fast that any shortage of minerals can make itself felt.

Conclusion after the examination

On the basis of what can you diagnose rickets in a kitten? Symptoms can be very bright or blurry, so it's better to take the baby to a veterinarian in addition. First of all, we should guard against the backlog in growth and development. If the disease progresses, then the curvature of the spine, as well as of the hind limbs, will develop. Gradually the rickets in the kitten lead to limp. The thickness of the joints, as well as the ribs, becomes noticeably larger. Finally, by the age of six months, we can diagnose a backlog in the tooth change schedule and a large amount of abdomen, which is difficult to explain, given the poor appetite and growth.

There is an exit

Indeed, you do not need to despair, but you do not need to lose time either. Rickets in cats are treated very successfully, unless the lesions have not spread completely to the entire body. For example, the bending of bones and lameness will already last a lifetime. Therefore, your task is to level the symptoms at their initial stage.

A rickety kitten will die without treatment. Then the disease will begin to progress so rapidly that you will not have time to do anything. However, now there are all chances to save his life, so contact the veterinarian for the appointment. Today, experts have accumulated a good experience in the fight against rickets, which means that you have every chance.

Causes

Once again I would like to emphasize what causes rickets in kittens. First of all, this is the low quality of cat feeding during pregnancy. The maternal organism can not give the crumbs as much calcium as they need. There is added a deficit of phosphorus. In this case, you need to take into account the moment that excess minerals will also lead to rickets.

Violation of the rules of breeding, crossing close relatives and frequent mating (more than once a year) also lead to the appearance of weak offspring, prone to this pathology, so choose a pet from a proven breeder.

Prevention

Rickets are much easier to prevent than treat later. So I would like to give a few recommendations to the breeders. First of all, review the diet of a pregnant cat. Now it is important not only that it is full. It is very necessary to maintain a balanced diet with a high content of calories, vitamins and minerals. It is best if it is a professional, quality feed, and not soup or milk, which we are used to giving to our pets.

In the lactation period, you also need to keep the right diet. It is very important not to add to the food a large number of artificial vitamins and minerals, as in nature cats eat quite monotonously.

First lures

If the kittens sleep quietly near their mother, then they do not need to give anything extra. Feeding must be introduced no earlier than three weeks, and then if the kids began to show concern. But in the case when the cat dies during childbirth or milk it simply does not, the duty of feeding will lie on you. Then you will need to purchase milk substitutes and add phosphorus and calcium.

After the kittens have grown, it is necessary to arrange them sunbathing. Be sure to let them play on the lawn near the house or just on the balcony. Fresh air and sunlight will do them good. Premium foods will not let you worry about the lack of minerals in the diet.

Treatment

It depends entirely on the stage at which the disease progresses. The earlier you turned to the doctor, the faster and more efficiently the help will be rendered. At once we will make a reservation, that with serious defeats it is already impossible to do anything. In other cases, supportive therapy will be prescribed. It is calcium for intramuscular injections, "Dexamethasone", sometimes analgesics and necessarily a complex of vitamins containing D, E and A. Duration of treatment also depends on the severity of the disease.

Let's sum up the results

Any illness is easier to prevent than cure. When acquiring a future pet, be sure to inquire about the breeder, find out what conditions the pregnant cat lived in, go on a visit and look at the behavior of the kids. After the crumb crosses the threshold of your house, arrange for him to play in the sun more often and coordinate with the doctor a diet. Then the rickets will not be terrible to him, and the kitten will grow into a beautiful cat.