What knowledge is required to understand Fading Kitten Syndrome (FKS)?
If you work with young kittens, you must be aware of Fading Kitten Syndrome.
Fading Kitten Syndrome, or simply FKS, is a collection of signs that has been linked to the death of neonatal kittens. Foster parents, rescue organizations, and others who intend to interact with young kittens should be aware of Fading Kitten Syndrome and what may be done to stop it from spreading. Given that this is an emergency, having a plan in place will help you take action quickly.
The FKS Origins
FKS isn’t considered a disease, but rather a collection of symptoms that indicate a kitten isn’t doing well. Numerous ailments, including parasites, viral or bacterial infections, bacterial infections, congenital issues, environmental factors, and mistakes committed while hand-raising a kitten, can result in Fading Kitten Syndrome.
Due to their fragility and immature immune systems, newborn kittens are more prone to Fading Kitten Syndrome’s symptoms. What may at first seem to be a minor problem could suddenly get worse. For instance, you might see a kitten having diarrhea, but this could also result in hypothermia, anemia, emaciation, dehydration, and the shut-down of body functions. As a result, immediate action is needed.
The FKS Complaints
Consider it an emergency and take your kitten to the vet right away if you see any of the symptoms listed below. A kitten with FKS will quickly deteriorate.
- Hyperthermia
- Hypothermia
- Dehydration
- A haggard appearance is caused by weight loss, muscular withering, and an inability to put on weight.
- Irregular breathing, such as gasping for air or opening one’s mouth to breathe, abnormal vocalizations, such as whimpering or other pain signals
- Severe laziness
- Clear gums
- Eating nothing and sleeping away from your littermates while craning your neck
Again, if you see any of these signs, you must take urgent action. So, in the event of FKS, experts advise being aware of which physician and which emergency veterinary clinic to contact. Having access to a veterinarian that specializes in caring for newborn kittens or is knowledgeable about feline pediatrics can also be helpful.
The FKS Procedures
Your veterinarian will inspect your kitten to see whether it needs to be treated for any conditions, such as parasites or a respiratory illness. However, in addition to determining the underlying cause of Fading Kitten Syndrome, the veterinarian will also be able to provide supportive therapy to address secondary symptoms like hypoglycemia or dehydration.
Tube feeding may be necessary for a frail kitten, and subcutaneous fluids may help the kitten stay hydrated. The immune system can be strengthened by plasma therapy in addition to dextrose, vitamin B12, and iron supplements.
Unfortunately, if FKS develops too quickly, it could proceed too far and lead to severe, uncurable suffering. At that point, a veterinarian might suggest euthanasia.
Quick action is essential
A neonatal kitten should be closely monitored to make sure she is doing well. You can even consider acquiring training if you plan to raise kittens by hand as a rescuer so that you can respond to crises at home straight away. You won’t have to waste any time that way. The key to FKS is to act quickly because doing so increases the kitten’s chances of surviving.
