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Can kitten spinal deformity cause incontinence, pain, and suffering?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Male | unneutered | 29 days old | 1.2 lbs

Can spinal deformity cause a kitten to not be abble to control it's bowel movements? This little one has two deformed legs and his spine feels to go off to the right quite a bit. He has diahrrea and is on propectalin but he can't control when he goes at all. Is it even humane to let a kitten who can't control it's bowels live? If the deformity is causing the incontinence can it be fixed? All the vets say deformities shouldn't cause pain but he seems to be in pain. He cries all day.

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on October 29th, 2017

Yes, a spinal deformity can result in fecal incontinence. It is unlikely that this will improve and there Is no specific treatment for it. He may have other deformity problems also and they may be causing him pain. Unless you can clean Allister every time he poops to prevent sores, and can eliminate his discomfort I don’t think it’s in his best interest to live like that. Our job is to be the animal’s advocate. My assessment is that if he is uncomfortable and unable to maintain his mobility and cleanliness then euthanasia is a humane decision. I’m sure you hate to lose him but it’s not a good life that he’s living. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you get answers to your veterinary questions.

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