Our 6 month old MC kitten, Calvin, has a bow-legged right front leg with a swollen elbow. The vet took x-rays & said the lower growth plate on his radius is almost closed, but the ulnar is still growing, even to the point where it is growing over the elbow joint (hence the swelling). He said this is very rare in cats but not uncommon in dogs, and that it is usually caused by an injury while young. He says cats usually stop growing at around 7 months, but I've read MC grow for 3-5 years--does this mean actual bone lengthening, or just a general thickening of the body? (This will continue to become worse for as long as the ulnar keeps growing.) He also recommends surgery, which will only stop the progression but not improve it. Calvin already favors the leg slightly. We don't care what he looks like (we'd love him with only 3 legs!) but don't want him to be in pain. We have to schedule surgery soon, if we're going to do it, to stop the progression of my little bow-legged baby. Does anyone know about this? I can't seem to find any info on this, so far.

-- Anonymous, June 17, 1999

Answers

Dear Amy,

I have no experience with this, but I have an idea of who might - is there information about this condition on DOG'S bone conditions available on the net? I suspect that if your vet (or another vet) can tell you what breed of dog is most subject to this, the sites for that breed would be a fruitful place to continue your search.

With a condition as serious as this, it is quite advisable to get a second vet's opinion if at all possible. I am *not* saying that your vet doesn't know what he's doing, but simply that with serious conditions it can really help to get more info - different vets have different specialties and backgrounds. If you are in either Orange County or LA County, California, please contact me - I know some great vets in So. Cal.

Sorry not to be of more help - I would love to hear how your kitty does in the future.

-- Anonymous, June 19, 1999

You may want to go to the OFA web site (http://www.offa.org) and ask the specialist there. They have a Q & A area on their site where you can ask the vets there who are experts on the subject of orthopedic conditions. Dr. Keller is the one I have had contact with in the past and he is extrememly nice, knowledgable and helpful.

Hope this helps.

Kathy

-- Anonymous, June 23, 1999