Manx syndrome

[romstory]

I have a 2 year old Manx cat who had 3 kittens.  One died of bowel obstruction at 7-8 weeks old, one is healthy, one is crippled (Nemo who is 15 weeks old). After doing some research I see there is a common problem with bowels and what not.  "Nemo" not only has no control over his urine and bowel movements, he is crippled in his hind legs, paralyzed I would say from his hips on down.  He is otherwise healthy, friendly, and very playful.  Nemo also had a problem with obstructed bowels and was taken to a vet who told me he would never survive and they wanted to put him down.  Needless to say I refused and treated it myself, that was over 6 weeks ago and he has yet to have a problem with it since.  My question is if there is any sort of treatment or surgery for his legs.  He either drags them along on either side of him or when running he hops on them.  He climbs stairs and scales his barricade of two feet (he is limited due to his loss of bowel control).  If there is no treatment for this is it wrong for me to have saved him or will he be able to live a somewhat normal life?

[romstory]

Great site opus!!

[romstory]

Thanks opus for your research.  Yes I am willing to keep on caring for him, although it can be quite trying at times.  I have thought about using diapers but as active as he is I dont think they would stay on, Nemo and his brother are quite playful.  I was told by the vet that wanted to put him down that it is common in his breed.  I was hoping maybe someone had the same situation and could offer so advice or tips.  He is named Nemo because of his lucky fin (his legs).  I will check out those sites and see what I can find.  Thanks again!

[opus88]

me again, found a link with good info.
let me know how its going ok, keep us all informed, didn't even know such a condition existed.

http://www.vetlocator.com/askapetpro/special-needs-kitten-manx-syndrome/comment-page-1/

[opus88]

I have found one site that gives some info on hemivertibrae condition in dogs, that explains the workings of the spine to you. Was this actually dx'd as Manx Syndrome?
I so far haven't been able to find anything on this syndrome..will keep searching.

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=2554&S=2&SourceID=42

Also found out that they have 'cat diapers' avail for incontinence, if you start this at a young age perhaps a cat would become accustomed to wearing(?)

www.petdiapers.com

[opus88]

Oh what a darling you are to try to save this little guy Nemo....check out my profile pic's I also have a Nemo!!
I'm not a Vet and I have no experience with the issues he faces, However I do know how similar symptoms are with us humans, it sounds to me like he's got a lower spinal cord injury or deformation, that area will lend itself to paralysis in the lower limbs and also loss of bowel and bladder control because there isn't a signal getting thru to the brain..therefore no feelings.
I myself have a similar lower spinal disease that I have been told will 'possibly'  lead to paralysis and possibly loss of continence(I'm praying it won't be so)
I'm afraid in my experience theres really nothing that can be done, other than extensive surgery that doesn't have a high success rate and would be very expensive for an animal. But talk to a good vet and see what knowledge they have on the matter.
Its so marvelous that Nemo has learned to get along despite his disability, animals adapt so well don't they.
Are you willing to go on caring for him despite all the incontinence problems? you have a huge job ahead if you do so. other than that issue if he has someone like yourself willing to sacrifice the extra time and patience with him than I can see no reason why he couldn't live a happy somewhat normal life.
I will try to dig up more info on this for you if you like?
Opus