Cat With Twisted Legs Learns To Walk After Multiple Surgeries
Duncan was only three weeks old when he arrived at the Ester Neonatal Kitten Alliance with twisted hind legs and a long road ahead. At first, the team hoped his case would be like the others they had seen, but his legs were already stiff, which made everything harder.
They tried therapy, splinting, massage, and water work, then spent months looking for the right specialists to help him. By September, Duncan finally had a real chance at surgery, and everyone was hoping it would change everything for the little cat.
What happened next gave this kitten a shot at a very different life. Read on.
Here is Duncan when he was three weeks old. The kitten had twisted legs.
Alliance spent several months trying to straighten his legs.
We have helped more than a dozen kittens with twisted legs this year. They usually come to us at just a few days old, when their legs are malleable enough that we’re able to straighten them with massage and physical therapy.
Unfortunately, Duncan’s legs were already very stiff by the time we met him. We spent several months trying everything — massage, physical therapy, water therapy, splinting — but nothing worked. - Andee Bingham
Finally, a proposed procedure and recovery plan have been laid.
It was frustrating, to say the least. Duncan had grown into such a sweet, loving boy. Everyone who met him fell in love.
We just wanted him to have the quality of life he deserved. It was heartbreaking that there seemed to be no answers.
The procedure and recovery he proposed weren’t going to be easy, but it gave Duncan a good chance of eventually being able to run and play with his friends. - Andee Bingham
Here's a video of Duncan as he joyfully plays with a ribbon.
Duncan loved playing with a ribbon! If he can’t use his legs to get to the fun, we’ll bring the fun to him! We’re still waiting to hear back from the surgeon about scheduling his leg surgery, but hopefully, it’ll happen within the next week or so. - Andee Bingham
That little ribbon moment says a lot about Duncan.
It also echoes the two-legged dogs and humans adapting after amputations.
His surgery was finally set in October.
Today he spent some time lying in the grass, batting at bugs, and feeling the breeze on his face. Before we know it, he’ll be zooming all over the place, so we’re taking advantage of this time when we can bring him outside without him being a flight risk. - Bingham
Alliance’s Director Andee Bingham with Duncan, post-surgery.
We’re grateful that he is, by nature, such a gentle and happy-go-lucky guy. - Andee Bingham
Duncan finally takes his first stand.
Duncan’s foster mama is getting creative with his physical therapy! Here he is being propped up with a box so he can learn to stand on his legs to eat. - Andee Bingham
Duncan slowly takes his first steps.
Once he’s stronger and more confident, we’ll start teaching him how to walk. Many of us will definitely cry happy tears when he does that on his own for the first time! - Andee Bingham
The best thing was seeing him play with other cats.
It’s been a long journey, and I’m so excited to see him run and play like his other cat friends. - Andee Bingham
Duncan is taking one day at a time until he fully recovers. Thanks to the Alliance and the team of surgeons who worked hard to correct Duncan's condition.
It was not hard to care for and love Duncan, and everyone cried as they saw him take his first step. The wait was finally over!
He finally got the chance he deserved.
Want more surgery surprises? See how a six-legged spaniel got extra limbs removed.
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