Sma

I took the boys to the vet for their last shots yesterday. We are concerned about our 17 week 7+ lb. (3.3kg) kitten, Buzz. He is really a klutz especially compared to his agile brother. More worrisome is the way he walks - a little cow hocked with a swagger, his poor jumping ability and his sometimes out of control landings. He doesn't always have these symptoms and will hop up the tree behind Baxter without trouble. I am praying he is just a big clumsy guy but our vet is going to have him tested genetically. I contacted our breeder to make sure she screens for SMA. She doesn't but said she has never had it in her lines. She didn't say whether or not the parents had produced offspring together though. So until we know what we are dealing with -or not- is there anyone here who has a MC with SMA? I am so worried - he is the sweetest most laid back guy ever. Thanks for any info and/or encouragement!

I have to say I am lucky I don't have any with SMA nor know of any so fingers crossed for Buzz,what I do have though is a heavy footed clumsy very cow hocked boy who has us in fits when he runs,looks very unusual from the back view & he too bless him has had his moments with knocking into things rather than going round & mis jumping,as he has aged that side has become less but he is still very "knees " together at the back......

Thank you for this... I am so hoping that he is just "heavy footed". Buzz provides so much entertainment but it will be easier to laugh at his antics once we know that's just the way he is and that he doesn't have a condition that will get worse. I've never had a kitten who falls off things as much as he does so I really appreciate your experience. From the time we brought him home, when he is picked up, he just goes limp, purring the whole time. We laugh that he is like holding a sack of potatoes.

Well. The genetic test came back and Buzz is genetically clear of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). We are so relieved to know we only have an uncoordinated, clumsy kitty and nothing more serious. Will be so much easier to laugh when he tries to keep up with his brother and falls (literally) short. Thank you Jckkerrison for sharing your experience of your clumsy boy with me. It made these weeks of waiting a little less stressful.

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Originally Posted by KimAZ

Well. The genetic test came back and Buzz is genetically clear of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). We are so relieved to know we only have an uncoordinated, clumsy kitty and nothing more serious. Will be so much easier to laugh when he tries to keep up with his brother and falls (literally) short. Thank you Jckkerrison for sharing your experience of your clumsy boy with me. It made these weeks of waiting a little less stressful.

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So very pleased for both you & Buzz it now means you can relax & enjoy your cow hocked wonder boy...x