Maxwell Chronicles (Part II)

Maxwell living his very best life ever

Living with a Maxwell here at the adorable house of misfits has been a whirlwind of emotions and overall trial and error on things to best help Maxwell thrive. After hearing from various veterinary professionals and pet parents alike on what Maxwell’s official diagnosis was I finally decided to end the debate and scheduled Maxwell to see the neurology department at Akron (Ohio) MedVet.

Being someone in the veterinary field who handles curbside appointments daily I can tell you that it was a very humbling experience and reminded me to be patient and compassionate and reminded myself that despite not being allowed to go inside with Maxwell the staff, technicians and doctor’s treated him with kindness, compassion and respect (and they absolutely did! I cannot thank Akron MedVet enough!).

On the “other side” of the appointment for a change; Curbside appointments

The neurologist stated that (among other things) Maxwell has multiple limb deformities along with kyphosis of the thoracic limb region with potential hemivertebra but she reminded me that with the “right family ANY pet can thrive!” and she is absolutely right.

I am unsure why I so badly wanted an official title for what was up with Maxwell, maybe it was because I felt if “it” had a name then I would know better what to expect maybe — but much with life there is no true preparation and we just all have to “roll with the tide” whatever or where ever that may take us!

Examples of the different “types” of back issues dogs can experience

  • Kyphosis is a type of spinal deformity similar to scoliosis the difference is that scoliosis is a lateral (side to side) curvature of the spine whereas kyphosis is a posterior (up and down) curvature of the spine, specifically in the upper, or cervical, portion of the spine.
  • This curvature can cause nerve damage, which is the reason behind many, if not all, of the symptoms presented. 

  • In older dogs, the condition can be caused by trauma (like a spinal fracture) or wear-and-tear on the spine (which could lead to arthritis or osteoporosis). 
  • In younger dogs (less than 1 year old), the condition is most likely congenital, meaning it was inherited by the individual at birth, as was the case for Olivia, so this is the type of kyphosis of focus throughout this website. 
  • If you suspect your dog’s kyphosis was inherited, it is important to get in contact with his/her breeder (if possible) to let them know. They will want to make sure to not keep breeding your dog’s biological mother/father so as to stop these defective genes from passing on to any more offspring

Some of the signs/symptoms MAY include:

  • Atrophy (loss of muscle tone in affected areas)
  • Loss of sensation
  • Incontinence (loss of control over bladder/bowel )
  • pain
  • wobbliness
  • weakness in the back legs
  • walking differently
  • signs of muscle wastage in the back legs
  • an abnormally shaped back

Regions of the spine
Example of hemivertebra (left) and a normal vertebra (right)
09/2021 XRady of Maxwells Spine (lateral view)

Is the future scary? Absolutely it is! But I would feel the future as scary regardless if Maxwell was in our life or not! I am unsure what the future holds for Maxwell but I know one thing for sure: He is going to live a safe, happy & loving life with myself and the rest of the adorable house of misfits!

Such a sweet happy boy!
Category: Awareness, Fun, Maxwell Diaries, Miscellaneous, Scoliosis, Veterinary Medicine | LEAVE A COMMENT

Bifford’s “Tuna Tales” Part I

Photo 1: Bifford MINUTES after I agreed to “foster” him (aka “foster failure”) & Photo 2: Bifford happy & confident in his new forever home!
Photo 1: Bifford’s “intake photo” when he was at the local cat shelter awaiting his forever home. Photo 2: Bifford loving life and confident in his forever home!

Can you imagine this sweet, genuine, affectionate, absolute pure face being returned to the cat shelter three separate times? THREE?!

Image him after return to the shelter #1 (the family was “going on vacation and did not want to be bothered with Bifford anymore, as per their surrender form) as he is placed back into the “general population” of other cats equally awaiting their forever homes as Bifford watches the doorway…patiently waiting for his “people” to return to get him. As the tock ticks by with each minute Bifford’s heart sinks just a little more as eventually he realizes they are not coming back for him. They tossed him away as if he was some disposable, inanimate object without a care in the world. Bifford perks up every single time the doorknob twists as he waits with anticipation for it to be “his people” only to be disappointed every single time.

Top that off with the fact that Bifford is not as fast nor nimble as the other cats so every time he attempts to bobble into the litter box and concentrate with all of his might, every time its “feeding time” and the large bowls of kibble are placed for a “come and get it” meal time, every time a prospective family enters the room he is promptly knocked over by the swarms of other eager cats, bullied by some of the “top dogs” of the room and becomes more reclusive — hiding in the corner of the room where he felt most safe with the wall to his back and his eyes always watching to ensure he is not randomly sought out by a room bully for a match that would be less than fair of a fight.

This is why I will forever stress to families to (if you are able to) volunteer to foster any prospective adoptive pets! Bifford would (sadly) not have stuck out in a room full of eager cats that maul you in affection as soon as you hit the shelter doorway, meowing and rubbing on your leg in an attempt to yell “pick me pick me! Couple this with the fact that he is a black cat (which sadly, statistically are not on the top favorites to adopt due to the reason they do not show up on “selfies” well — I will post this article reflecting this in an upcoming post).

Bifford came to me by chance. He was getting bullied at the shelter and was not really coming out from his hiding place. The shelter was concerned about him and felt he was simply not thriving in the shelter environment and felt a temporary foster home away from the shelter would do him some good and I am inclined to agree (look at the above photos of him at the shelter versus him at home — the results speak for themselves!).

I urge you to give those “not so eager” pets waiting for their forever homes in rescues, shelters and pounds a fair chance! Despite the fact that they are not mauling you in affection in a shelter setting does not mean they will not be a totally different pet once you get them into your home and give them an opportunity!

Category: Awareness, Fun, Miscellaneous | LEAVE A COMMENT

Life is Mysterious

I would like to believe that I am not so cynical to not believe in signs from above but this one, this one was so blatantly obvious that one could not help but NOT ignore it.

I lost my best friend, my light of my life, my “reason” on Monday 01/25/2021 and to say that I was handling it poorly was an understatement. I was on “autopilot”, masking my utter sadness and heartbreak behind a false smile and felt so incomplete that I felt would be permanent and just simply “who I was” from now on.

Until Monday 03/08/2021.

I heard commotion in my veterinary clinic I work for with my name coming up several times (which peaked my interest) as I saw a small crowd circling something … something tiny. I as made my way into the small group of women I saw him… meet Maxwell Walker (Maxwell after The Beatle’s song “Maxwell Silver Hammer”) an eight week old pug puppy (though the doctors suspect he may be younger) who is a “swimmer puppy”.

Swimmer Puppy Syndrome is a developmental deformity that results in a puppy having a flattened thorax/chest. They may have mobility issues that with physical therapy can be (for the most part) corrected it just takes a lot of patience and humility.

Meet Max:

Max will never replace Maggie ever and in fact he may be nothing like Maggie which I accept and understand also (I used to often joke that I wasn’t a “pug person” but I was an avid “Maggie person”) but I can only hope that somewhere tucked deep inside that tiny little pug puppy is a quality or two that Maggie had for so long – that patience, that calmness and most of all affection.

I know it will take time for Max to grow on me (frankly he’s creeping into my ❤️) and it will take even more time to work on getting him to use his back legs and be more mobile (without my assistance).

If you’ve been wondering why the site and our social media platforms went on a short, short sabbatical it’s because of this little dude. We’re working with him constantly as far as physical therapy, hydrotherapy, puzzles and exercise regularly (in addition to trying to potty train) as well as care for the other part of the crew has managed to occupy the rest of my day (happily of course!).

Please be patient with us as we work to find a happy medium between Maxwell and the rest of the day’s agendas — I promise we will return with gusto! Stay tuned folks!

Category: Awareness, Fun, Veterinary Medicine | LEAVE A COMMENT

Meet “Bifford”

About “Bifford”

Bifford was born in Chicago, Illinois after his mother was rescued off the streets by a compassionate and patient animal shelter volunteer. Being one of four kittens he was categorized by animal shelter volunteers as “the worst” out of the litter in regards to his cerebellar hypoplasia. When Bifford was a mere 10 days old his mother rejected him thus withholding care and nutrition he so desperately needed when a devoted foster mother assumed responsibility for his around the clock care. When Bifford was transported to Youngstown, Ohio by a local cat shelter a note was enclosed with him:

“Born October 09, 2011, mother rejected at 10 days old. Tipsy [my brother] and I are the largest of the four kittens in our litter and most affected with CH. He will use a litter box 99% o f the time, will cry beside the litter box if he cannot get in or is having trouble. Sometimes falls/flips right out of the litter box and also sometimes lays on side to go [to the bathroom] and I will help hold him up until he finishes. Sometimes will take a nose dive in litter and will need cleaned off/bathed. Sometimes he will accidentally step in his own mess because he is unable to bury his potty. Will eat some from plate but will eat best when fed canned food by hand while holding him up under his belly with my other hand. Will cry for a bedtime bottle around 9-10 PM and gets canned food 3x/day.” 

Bifford was initially adopted in Fall 2012 but was returned after his family moved and could no longer take him with them. Upon being returned back to the shelter he was then adopted in Spring 2013 by a family who vowed to care for him but unfortunately bungled his care. When being returned (again) to the shelter in May 2014, Bifford’s former family admitted that they were unable to effectively care for Bifford and felt that he was “suffering” and wanted him to “die with dignity” to which they would contain him in an empty hot tub with the cover on it in order to “contain the mess”. Bifford was terrified and underweight but otherwise unscathed, though shelter life was no life for him. Living in such close proximity to other cats in a cage free shelter proved the theory of “survival of the fittest” in which Bifford was not as fast as the other cats and was often the subject of many bullies.

I agreed to foster Bifford on Mother’s Day, 2014 in which the situation was only to be “temporary” in order to spring him from the shelter and hopefully nurture him physically and emotionally. The first few nights were proving to be exhausting ones for both Bifford and myself — roaming the house and crying all hours of the night I can only speculate he was terrified being in a strange, new environment (again) and even more terrified that he was going to fall in love with a new family and ultimately get returned back to the shelter. Couple this with the fact that at that time I had no idea how to properly care for a “CH” cat (nor did I know much about them) I feared that I would not be able to arise to the labor of love that was Bifford.

Years have passed since those first few days and I still joke with Bifford that he is a “foster” though I can say without reservation that he is a “foster fail” because he took over my heart in so many ways. Come October 09, 2018 Bifford will be turning 10 years old to which he has a happy, healthy and spoiled lifestyle (what cat do you know that has their own bedroom and TV?!) and ultimately planted the seed of special needs animals advocacy and education due to all of the misconceptions and ill-information circulating about special needs animals.

Please enjoy the website, Bifford’s photos and overall shenanigans and information 🙂

Category: Awareness, Did You Know?, Fun, Miscellaneous, President Bifford & Media, President's Cabinet | LEAVE A COMMENT

Homemade Treat Recipe

Below are easy ways to make “snacks” out of your pet’s regular diet! Utilize these tips/tricks to make your own easy snacks using your pets normal pet food!

IMPORTANT:

  • All homemade treats need to be stored in a refrigerator no longer than five to seven days to maintain their freshness & prevent spoilage.
  • Homemade treats should NOT exceed 5% of your pet’s total daily intake, as baking the treats does alter the nutritional characteristics of the food.

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Snack Triangles (Canned Food)

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  • Spread 1/2 can of your pet’s favorite canned (or prescription canned) food onto a sheet of waxed paper
  • Cut the flattened food into triangles, each 1/2 inch thick
  • Place the triangles on a cookie sheet and bake in the oven for 15 minutes
  • Flip the triangles, and bake for another 15 minutes
  • Let treats cool completely before serving to your cat!

Gravy (Canned Food)

  • Crumble 1/2 can of your pet’s favorite canned (or prescription canned) food into a measuring cup
  • Add 1/3 cup of water to the measuring cup
  • Stir ingredients until the mixture is combined to the consistency of gravy

Snack Cookies (Kibble)

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  • Using a blender, grind 2 cups of your pet’s dry food (or prescription dry food) into a fine powder
  • Transfer kibble powder to a bowl, and slowly add water to form a dough consistency
  • Shape into cookies and place onto a cookie sheet
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until crispy
  • Let treats cool completely before serving to your cat!
Category: Did You Know?, Fun, Miscellaneous, Uncategorized | LEAVE A COMMENT

Bifford’s “Crash Course”

When I brought Bifford home for the very first time as a “foster” I remember the moment very clearly — it was Tuesday May 13, 2014 and I had NO idea what to expect! I had NEVER had a “special needs” animal let alone a cerebellar hypoplasia cat I was asked by a local cat shelter to take him home for a bit because he was not thriving well getting bullied and beat up on at the shelter after being surrendered for the THIRD time (the first time the “family” was going on vacation and simply did not want to be bothered any longer, the second time was because he successfully used the litterbox but did not want to “cover it up” and the third and final time before he permanently adopted me was a couple who would lock him in an empty hot tub to “contain the mess” and allow him to “die with dignity” as documented on the surrender intake forms).

To say that I wanted to wrap the boy in bubble wrap and coddle him beyond belief would be an understatement. He wandered my one story, ranch style home aimlessly and cried all hours of the night. I was at my wits end and honestly felt like I was letting him down because he seemed so… displaced? Scared? Alone? I remember calling the cat shelter crying because I felt like I was letting him down and that maybe the shelter was a better environment for him then my home was.

At the insistence and pep-talk of the shelter they asked me to be patient and give it time and stressed to join some local CH forums for guidance and advice. Blogs and forums such as Kitty Cat Chronicles became my saving grace and honestly the gift that both Bifford and I needed to better understand one another.

Today I am that “cool mom” (well, I would like to THINK of myself as the cool mom. But who that is cool calls themselves “cool”) – do you remember those diaper commercials that document “mom of one child” (the stressed out, type “A” personality who looks overwhelmed) versus “mom of two kids” and the latter is always more calm, cool and collected in the face of chaos & adversity? It took some time but now I let Bifford BE Bifford. There truly is knowledge in letting kids (furry or otherwise!) fall, wipe out, crash and burn and allow them to get back up on their own without the coddling of their helicopter “smother” (smother + mother = “smother”) and I promise it will get better!

When I adopted Bifford (which occurred about five minutes after I took him home to foster him and instantly fell in love with the boy) I was navigating uncharted territories, attempting to haphazardly steer a storm I was unaware of all around.

If I could instill wisdom for new “CH pet parents” it would be this:

  • Burts Bees wipes allow new pet parents the ability to wipe away any “messes” that may arise from their special babies falling in the litterboxes (or maybe not yet mastered the art of the litterbox just yet)
  • Instead of the trauma of soaking your special baby in the bathtub, Burt’s Bees waterless shampoo removes the stress and trauma of a traditional bath while leaving your pet smelling fresh & clean!
  • We utilize these “bowl mats” WITHOUT the stainless steel/hard plastic bowls in them. They easily hold food/water and capture any spillage as well as prevent any injury if your pet would “head but” the dish lip. Plus they are easy to clean & dishwasher safe!
  • Interactive toys such as this one are a GREAT way to entertain (and exercise) your special baby where they do not have to run and chase it but can lay on their side to play with it (plus it is pretty sturdy so if your special baby is a tad rough on toys like Bifford is then they have a harder time damaging it!)
  • Littergenies are FANTASTIC for pet parents (both special pet parents and non special alike) providing an easy and convenient way of disposing of litter clumps (plus there is no foul odor!)
  • Mats such as this one are GREAT to play in front of the litterbox/litter trays to capture any spillage or little bits of litter (they are easy to shake out and some have pockets underneath that makes it easy to fold the mat and siphon spillage into the trash)
  • Soft side or canvas carriers allow these special babies the ability to not hurt themselves on hard plastic carriers or injure themselves/break a tooth on metal carrier bars
  • Nail caps give these babies the ability to keep their nails (which they need to climb onto furniture) as well as protect your legs/arms from unintentional “booboos” (plus we are staunchly AGAINST declawing!)
  • When you get your pet spayed/neutered sometimes hard plastic e-collars cause them great stress and sometimes injury because they are traumatized by those plastic cones of shame. NEVER EVER LET YOUR PET GO WITHOUT AN E-COLLAR/ONSIE AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN SPAYED!! All it takes is ONE time for your pet to be left alone and able to work at their spay sutures causing infection (or worse, ending in a fatality)
  • When you get your pet spayed/neutered sometimes hard plastic e-collars cause them great stress and sometimes injury because they are traumatized by those plastic cones of shame. NEVER EVER LET YOUR PET GO WITHOUT AN E-COLLAR/ONSIE AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN SPAYED!! All it takes is ONE time for your pet to be left alone and able to work at their spay sutures causing infection (or worse, ending in a fatality) These properly cover any spay incision thus preventing your pet from licking or chewing at the suture site (plus they are super adorable and able to be machine washed!)
  • When you get your pet spayed/neutered sometimes hard plastic e-collars cause them great stress and sometimes injury because they are traumatized by those plastic cones of shame. NEVER EVER LET YOUR PET GO WITHOUT AN E-COLLAR/ONSIE AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN SPAYED!! All it takes is ONE time for your pet to be left alone and able to work at their spay sutures causing infection (or worse, ending in a fatality)
  • When you get your pet spayed/neutered sometimes hard plastic e-collars cause them great stress and sometimes injury because they are traumatized by those plastic cones of shame. NEVER EVER LET YOUR PET GO WITHOUT AN E-COLLAR/ONSIE AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN SPAYED!! All it takes is ONE time for your pet to be left alone and able to work at their spay sutures causing infection (or worse, ending in a fatality)
  • When you get your pet spayed/neutered sometimes hard plastic e-collars cause them great stress and sometimes injury because they are traumatized by those plastic cones of shame. NEVER EVER LET YOUR PET GO WITHOUT AN E-COLLAR/ONSIE AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN SPAYED!! All it takes is ONE time for your pet to be left alone and able to work at their spay sutures causing infection (or worse, ending in a fatality)
  • When you get your pet spayed/neutered sometimes hard plastic e-collars cause them great stress and sometimes injury because they are traumatized by those plastic cones of shame. NEVER EVER LET YOUR PET GO WITHOUT AN E-COLLAR/ONSIE AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN SPAYED!! All it takes is ONE time for your pet to be left alone and able to work at their spay sutures causing infection (or worse, ending in a fatality) These properly cover any spay incision thus preventing your pet from licking or chewing at the suture site (plus they are super adorable and able to be machine washed!)
  • Thundershirts are GREAT for babies that get easily stressed/nervous/anxious! Mimicking the same ideals of when you swaddle an upset baby – the thundershirt does the same action!
  • Feliway is a natural pheromone spray that captures the endorphins that mother cats used to release to their kittens whenever they were stressed/upset. It comes in a spray/collar/plug in (nonscented to us! And not harmful to other non-cat friends. They also made a dog equivalent!)
  • Feliway is a natural pheromone spray that captures the endorphins that mother cats used to release to their kittens whenever they were stressed/upset. It comes in a spray/collar/plug in (nonscented to us! And not harmful to other non-cat friends. They also made a dog equivalent!)
  • Pee Pads (either washable or disposable) are really ideal to have around the home (we use washable pads here which are ideal if they get soiled just chuck them into the wash and reuse them!) We also place these around the litterbox or under food/water dishes.
  • If you have a second story home and want to keep your pet on one floor (NEVER ALLOW YOUR SPECIAL BABY UNATTENDED ON STAIRS!) provides a safe & ideal way to keep your special baby from attempting stairs unsupervised!
  • If you have a second story home and want to keep your pet on one floor (NEVER ALLOW YOUR SPECIAL BABY UNATTENDED ON STAIRS!) provides a safe & ideal way to keep your special baby from attempting stairs unsupervised!
  • If you have a long-hair special baby like Bifford then unfortunately mats in the hair can be somewhat common! Having a dematting tool on hand will help provide you with the ability to gently yet effectively remove any mats in the hair before they go on too long (if you let mats go they can get tighter and tighter to the skin causing a great deal of pain as well as potentially tracking moisture which can then cause a skin infection!) This provides less trauma to your pet (you do not have to snip/shave or use a brush to tug!
  • If you have a long-hair special baby like Bifford then unfortunately mats in the hair can be somewhat common! Having a dematting tool on hand will help provide you with the ability to gently yet effectively remove any mats in the hair before they go on too long (if you let mats go they can get tighter and tighter to the skin causing a great deal of pain as well as potentially tracking moisture which can then cause a skin infection!) This provides less trauma to your pet (you do not have to snip/shave or use a brush to tug!
  • Play mats like this are ideal for pets who cannot really run around and play. This provides a mat where your special baby can lay on their side and easily play!
  • Play mats like this are ideal for pets who cannot really run around and play. This provides a mat where your special baby can lay on their side and easily play
  • Play mats like this are ideal for pets who cannot really run around and play. This provides a mat where your special baby can lay on their side and easily play
  • Non scented, sensitive baby wipes are great to keep around the house as well! I use these to wipe eye nose/eye boogers, any “danglers” that may be left on Bifford’s behind after bathroom time as well as wiping dirty paws!
  • Toys like this are ideal for pets who cannot really run around and play. This provides a mat where your special baby can lay on their side and easily play
  • Having one of these books on hand is GREAT for at-home, after-veterinary-clinic-hours injuries that may result from babies being special (falling, tripping, minor injury etc.,). It is great to have at home as well as a guide for helping stabilize emergencies until you can get them immediate medical attention.
  • Having one of these books on hand is GREAT for at-home, after-veterinary-clinic-hours injuries that may result from babies being special (falling, tripping, minor injury etc.,). It is great to have at home as well as a guide for helping stabilize emergencies until you can get them immediate medical attention
  1. If you notice your new special baby stressed or overly anxious try to utilize the Feliway spray as well as try to get your baby into a “routine”. I noticed that Bifford enjoyed having a semi-structured routine (we woke him up from his “big boy room” and fed him breakfast, then we would let him play the day away with his brother and sisters then “mommy” would be home from work so he got snuggle time then it was dinnertime and then lounging with “mom and dad” before bedtime). I found that if anything derailed his routine in such a dramatic way he would freak out (and eventually that turned into stress cystitis, but that is a topic for another post!
  2. Schedule regular dental cleanings/examinations! I cannot tell you how many times when I first brought Bifford home would he sneeze a little too aggressively or be playing and “biff” it a little to hard and hurt his mouth or even chip a tooth! By having regular dental cleanings done I was able to address any injured teeth (injured= extremely painful).
  3. Construct a first aid kit for cats! This will come in handy if your little angel stumbles and falls or gets a “booboo” that may need a little attention when your veterinarian is closed (or you need to address and stabilize while en route to the veterinarian!)
  4. Invest in a low lip litter box! We actually made “BHOP” (Bifford’s House of Poop” which was a 13 gallon Rubbermaid container that Bifford’s “dad” cut a hole out on the bottom of one side (always use caution when using power/sharp tools!) This way Bifford could easily bobble into BHOP and do his absolute worse inside and there was no spillage or issue! He could also fall in it (or sometimes, play) without him knocking the entire thing over or causing any damage/injury!
  5. COMMUNICATION! When you adopt one of these special babies call your regular veterinarian right away (or send them a letter/postcard!) letting them know you adopted a specially abled pet (e-mail us if you would like our informational packet for veterinarians/veterinary staff) and if they have any questions (or maybe concerns) about these special babies. (Check out our map of veterinarians that are aware and understand these special kiddos here)

What are some useful tips/tricks that you were given (or found yourself while on your personal adventure!) that you would like to pass onto future specially-abled pet parents? Comment below!

Category: Awareness, CH-Proofing, Did You Know?, Fun, Miscellaneous, Veterinary Medicine | 1 Comment on Bifford’s “Crash Course”