A group of symptoms associated with a newborn kitten’s failure to thrive is Fading Kitten Syndrome (FKS). Up to 30% of cats are affected by the illness, which is frequently fatal, but early detection and prompt treatment from Virginia Beach animal hospital can boost your pet’s chance of survival.
When a kitten has fading kitten syndrome, its health starts to decline within the first few weeks after birth. Newborn cats are most vulnerable to infections during this period, typically lasting around 4-5 weeks. Even if there have been no prior sickness symptoms, a kitten with FKS may suddenly become unwell, unresponsive, or even pass away.
How does fading kitten syndrome develop?
A precise cause of FKS is sometimes impossible to pinpoint. In reality, 80% of the cases go untreated, making it impossible for vets to determine why some kittens become ill and perish while others recover. The disorder may have several underlying factors, some of which, if untreated, can quickly worsen health or even be fatal.
Fading Kitten Syndrome causes
When veterinarians can identify an FKS cause, it may include any of the following:
- Obstacles during labor
- maternal antibodies are absent
- bacterial or viral infections
- Unhealthy belly buttons (omphalophlebitis)
- Parasites
- genetic health problems with cats
- Neonatal isoerythrolysis
- a little birth weight
- Trauma
- Maternal abuse
- Malnutrition
- low body temperature
What symptoms manifest fading kitten syndrome?
Instead of being a single illness, fading kitten syndrome is a collection of symptoms in preterm and newborn kittens. It has several underlying causes and quickly deteriorates one’s health. Tragically, one of the early signs is the sudden loss of a little kitten.
Initially, the signs of fading kitten syndrome are minimal. Considering that kittens should acquire 0.35 ounces of weight every day, a kitten that isn’t putting on weight, losing weight, or lagging behind its littermates may have FKS.
Additionally, pay attention to the litter. It may also indicate fading kitten syndrome to see a passive kitten, a kitten that refuses to eat, or a kitten who seems to be left out of activities.
Fading kitten syndrome symptoms
Additional signs of a fading kitten include:
- Weariness and frailty
- the dull layer of hair
- Lethargy
- Hypothermia
- arduous breathing
- Excessive vocalization, insufficient meowing, or absence of other noises
What age is the onset of fading kitten syndrome?
From birth until they are withdrawn from their mother, or between the ages of six and eight weeks, kittens with fading kitten syndrome suffer.
You can best monitor the kitten’s eating habits and weight increase daily. By doing this, you’ll be able to see the early indications of FKS and consult your Virginia Beach vet hospital right away.
What is the duration of fading kitten syndrome?
It varies. Kittens can lose their appearance exceptionally rapidly (within hours) or more gradually over a few days or weeks. In the first few neonatal periods, most kittens who are impacted won’t survive. Usually, 75% to 95% of affected kittens survive until they are eight weeks old. 20% to 40% of them might not live past 12 weeks.
Is fading kitten syndrome contagious?
Microbial, fungal, protozoal, and internal and external parasites can all be pathogenic or contagious causes of FKS. Infections with bacteria can affect the digestive and respiratory systems, wounds, and the umbilical cord.
Treatment options for vanishing kitten syndrome
A cat that is losing strength usually dies despite receiving medical attention. To cure fading kitten syndrome on your own and offer your pet the best chance of recovery, there are certain actions you can do right now. In these circumstances, the kitten emergency plan entails:
- Rub honey, sucrose solution, or Karo syrup on the kitten’s gums if they appear sluggish or weak to raise blood sugar levels.
- To keep your kitten cozy, swaddle it in a towel. You may also place a hot water bottle or heating pad on the towel for added warmth.
It should be highlighted that these methods are merely transitory and shouldn’t be viewed as a treatment for FKS. Be careful to immediately contact your veterinarian or an animal hospital if you observe anything unusual about your kitten. Your vet will recommend the best alternative once the veterinarian has examined and tested your pet for worms or diseases.
