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I just had a kitten born with a severe umbilical hernia, ...

Sent to Cat Experts August 28, 2006 4:12 p.m.

I just had a kitten born with a severe umbilical hernia, all internal organs were outside of the body, his hind legs were severely malformed but he was lively from the front legs forward, though he would lay still intermitantly and seem to alsmost gasp, but he did meow as well. I humanely euthanised him, did I make the right desicion? I am incredibly torn up about this?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

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Answer
August 28, 2006 4:25 p.m. (12 minutes and 32 seconds later)

ACCEPTED

Usually with such severe birth defects the baby animal would not live long or have a good quality of life while it lived.
I think this is the hardest part of being a breeder is coping with the babies that just can't make it.
A newborn kitten may not have all its pain receptors connected (just like eyes and ears are not open) chances are when the nerves knit in a day or so the kitten would have been in serious discomfort.
I think you did exactly right even though I agree its a very difficult decision to make.
I would have found it less humane if the kitten was allowed to linger and suffer.
Hope this helps you!

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NancyH -- Cat Health, Behavior, Care Expert -- 100% Positive Feedback on 2036 Cat Accepts
30+ years cat owner, rescue, breeding, study of behavior & health care

Reply to nholmes
Sent August 28, 2006 8:01 p.m. (3 hours and 36 minutes later)

Thank you so much, I never had this happen in any of my litters before, in fact nothing even close.....when I saw the poor little thing, I was stunned, not only about the umbilical hernia but his hind legs, they were almost twisted up over his back. But his front end was struggling, he was a fighter, and all I can do now is cry. I keep wondering, if only.....and maybe there was something I could have done for him. I currently have a cat (who I found as a kitten on the side of the road) he has 3 nostrils, one eye and a cleft pallate, I show him as a household pet and he got 3 best Household pets his last show.

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Answer
August 28, 2006 11:28 p.m. (3 hours and 26 minutes later)

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NancyH -- Cat Health, Behavior, Care Expert -- 100% Positive Feedback on 2036 Cat Accepts
30+ years cat owner, rescue, breeding, study of behavior & health care

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