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A ‘swimmer kitten’ named Speedo, born with splayed out legs that cause mobility issues, is getting rehabilitative physical therapy and tender loving care and has in just a short time made great progress toward gaining control of his limbs.
Speedo was turned over to the Animal Welfare League of Arlington in Arlington, Virginia by a person who was unable to help him or deal with the challenges presented by his abnormalities. AWLA placed Speedo in foster care, where he is getting a combination of physical therapies, including acupuncture and massage therapy, as well as beneficial play.
AWLA Chief Operating Officer Susan Sherman said: “The massage is meant to train the muscles and ligaments,” and “The acupuncture would stimulate nerves.
“We do not believe he’s in any pain.”
AWLA vets created a special, very narrow alleyway for Speedo to walk through with his hind legs bound, to train him to walk correctly. You can see him in session there in a video shared from AWLA at Facebook, below.
Speedo’s foster caregiver has posted videos on his early progress (see below), and writes: “This is our new, loving and adorable foster kitten – Speedo – from the Animal Welfare League of Arlington.
“Speedo was born with Swimmer syndrome, a rare developmental deformity of newborn dogs, and less commonly of newborn cats, whereby the hind limbs, and at times the front limbs as well, are splayed laterally resulting in an inability or difficulty to stand or walk. Forward movement in these animals is typically accomplished by lateral pedaling motions, making the dog or cat appear as if he or she is “swimming.” [The first] video shows Speedo walking around our apartment the first day we brought him home, when he was just over 2 months old and had not yet received any type of prior therapy or treatment.
“Speedo undergoes multiple daily physical therapy treatments and activities. One of the activities that he definitely enjoys is playing with his Cat’s Meow toy. [The second] video shows him during the first time he discovered the toy, and with the toy again several days later.
“Having him move around with his hind legs taped together helps to increase his muscle tone and strength, improve his limb coordination and stimulate circulation of his tissues. He is already showing great improvement!”
Currently, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington is responsible for the care and treatment of Speedo. They are accepting donations to help with his rehabilitation and care.
AWLA hopes to place Speedo in a good home when he is ready, most likely later this year. He is described as being adorable, sweet and very friendly.
“We’re going to see how much he’s able to progress, and as soon as we think he’s going to be able to live a healthy, happy life, he’ll be up for adoption,” Ms. Sherman said.
Kitten Speedo’s Road through Rehabilitation – Day 1 (Swimmer Syndrome):
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Kitten Speedo’s Road through Rehabilitation – Cat’s Meow, Week 1 (Swimmer syndrome)
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what a beautiful boy! therapy can do wonders with him!