Special needs kitten rescuers took in Ben and Jerry, two brothers, one of whom had badly twisted legs.
While Ben is black and white, Jerry is grey and white, and both kittens are cute as “perfect scoops of sweetness.” But Jerry was the one born with badly twisted rear legs. He couldn’t walk and crawled along on his tummy. However, with physical therapy and splints, he made a dramatic transformation!
Someone found Ben and Jerry in a California warehouse and asked for help. They found both kittens suffering from fleas and dehydration, and Ben had a minor eye infection. Right away, the expert rescuers from Baby Kitten Rescue got the kittens to the vet, and Jerry got an X-ray.
Images, media via Instagram/babykittenrescue
Thankfully, Jerry’s legs appeared twisted due to contracted tendons from crowding in utero, not abnormal bones. That was great news and promising for his recovery. But Jerry didn’t know he was any different and he was so darn cute!
A Treatment Plan for Jerry’s Twisted Legs
After a radiology report, the rescuers got a treatment plan for Jerry, which was promising. They would begin physical therapy with multiple daily massages and stretches to get his legs in the correct position. Then, they would splint the legs, followed by more therapy to help him walk. They also began a homeopathic remedy to help soften his tendons. After 3-4 weeks, his legs would hopefully improve.
Note: This information is for educational purposes only. As always, please consult a qualified veterinarian.
After one week of treatment, the rescuers saw Jerry’s legs visibly improving on the left leg. Meanwhile, the right leg was becoming less stiff and easier to position. With this encouraging progress, they began splinting the legs. But the splinting proved a little tricky for Jerr’s right leg since the X-ray showed a dislocated knee joint. He needed another visit with an orthopedic specialist.
“Through all the PT, splinting, stretching and massaging, Jerry remains the sweetest most loving boy🥹 He’s such a good eater🍼 And he purrs constantly🥰,” they shared.
You can see what the physical therapy looked like in the updated video below:
Jerry’s Twisted Legs Straighten Out
In just a few days, Jerry continued making incredible progress. At five weeks old, he could stand on his left leg with his paw in the proper position. Although his right leg wasn’t there yet, a surgeon determined it showed significant improvement and wouldn’t need surgery. They continued to see progress with physical therapy six times a day and more splinting. Plus, Jerry had his adorable brother to help him on his journey too!
“Both Ben & Jerry are the absolute sweetest boys🥹 They are truly a delight to foster, and I’m so happy they’re here🥰”
“Jerry looking so big🥹🍨💙”
Jerry Makes a Full Recovery!
After follow-up visits with the physical therapist, the rescuers began more exercises, massages, and stretching. His right leg became softer as they gradually worked to get it in the right position, little by little. But as usual, Jerry was playful as any other kitten.
“Despite his right leg still being twisted, Jerry is a playful and active little kitten who zooms around and tackles his brother with ease😆”
After a change in foster homes, the kittens continued doing great. The new fosterers loved providing Jerry’s specialized therapy. And soon, Jerry’s right leg was where it should be! While his left leg only took 2 weeks to correct, the right took 6 weeks of ongoing treatment.
It worked, but now Jerry had to realize he had fully functional legs for the first time.
“Jerry’s leg can now easily be placed into the correct position. The tendons are no longer contracted and he has the ability to have full use of that leg! Now it’s just reprogramming his mind to use that leg. He’s so accustomed to not using it, he doesn’t realize that he CAN use it now.”
The Cherry On Top
Like delicious ice cream, Ben and Jerry go together, and so it was when a family adopted them. After an amazing journey, they went home. To top it off like a cherry, thanks to all the therapy, Jerry no longer needs any special care at all. He has no mobility limitations!
The family will enjoy these two scoops of sweetness every day for a lifetime. For more, you can follow Baby Kitten Rescue on Instagram and Facebook.
