Page 1134 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

PART 14

Queen and kitten with problems

54. The fading kitten

Julie Levy

KEY SIGNS
● Crying.
● Ineffective nursing.
● Weakness and inactivity.
● Hypothermia.

MECHANISM?
● Kittens appear healthy and vigorous at birth. The fading syndrome develops when an under-
lying medical problem results in poor nursing, hypoglycemia and hypothermia.
Signs of the fading syndrome include:
● Loss of suckling reflex.
● Weight loss.
● Weakness and inactivity.
● Bloated abdomen.
● Hypothermia.
● Crying.

WHERE?
● Polysystemic effects lead to generalized weakness, ineffective nursing and inactivity.

WHAT?
● Fading and death may result from the primary condition or from the debilitation that follows.

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