I think I found my answer...

**Laura's Babies** · 11-24-2005, 01:55 PM

As most of you know, I have been very disturbed by Amy's worsening condition with her CH.. I guess I locked in on the words the condition don't get any worse and that is what I expected. Well, while I am waiting for the sweet potato pies to bake, I been surfing the web, looking for ANYTHING that would help me.... I found this and I guess this is what I been looking for and explaines it. I was ready to pack her up and take her out of state to a specialist to help find a answer to her worsening condition. See what I have put in bold...

(Just makes me want to CRY!.... and I have)
Cerebellar Hypoplasia
The cerebellum is the portion of the brain responsible for the control of motion. When a puppy or kitten is born with an underdeveloped cerebellum, the condition is known as congenital cerebellar hypoplasia. There are infectious causes of this condition in both cats (panleukopenia infection prior to birth) and dogs (herpes virus infection prior to birth). Improper development of the cerebellum may occur due to injury, poisoning or just from an accident in development in the uterus. It is generally possible to see signs of this condition almost as soon as the puppy or kitten is born. Affected animals have tremors and unusual jerky movements or may fall down when they try to move. The symptoms do not get worse as they age. As the kitten or puppy grows it will learn to compensate for its condition but there are usually lifelong signs of a decreased ability to coordinate movement. Almost all dogs and cats with congenital cerebellar hypoplasia can live happily as pets with a little special care to compensate for their disabilities. This condition can be confused with cerebellar abiotrophy, a different disorder in dogs in which the puppy has a normal cerebellum at birth but it gradually dies. Signs of disease identical to cerebellar hypoplasia occur but the timing is different. Puppies with this condition seem normal at birth but usually start to show signs of problems after they are 2 months or more of age.

**QueenScoopalot** · 11-24-2005, 02:12 PM

Cerebellar kitties often start showing signs shortly after birth. I have a whole bunch here Laura, and none are getting worse, but Eli is getting fat & lazy!

**Ally Cat's Mommy** · 11-24-2005, 02:29 PM

Oh Laura, I am crying with you

I don't have any experience with CH, but I am sending you HUGE HUGS and positive thoughts and prayers.

Hopefully some of our other members with special kitties can give you some reassuring news.

Amy has a wonderful Meowmie and she is truly blessed to have your love and care.

(((HUGS)))

**Laura's Babies** · 11-24-2005, 03:42 PM

Jan, how old was Eli when you got him? I got Amy when she was exactly 2 months old and she is now 2, I think. Maybe it is different with each one or peaks out after a certian age? I don't know! I just know I was not expecting ANY changes and right at her first birthday, she started changing and around each birthday, she seems to make a noticable decline. Her jumps down off the bed, sofa and chairs have harder landings, she has more problems getting up on the sofa, bed or chair but still refuses to let me put her up there.... I have taken my box spring and matress and put them on the floor to make it easier on her to get up and down from there.

The one thing I do have to say, with each decline, she becomes more and more affectionate and gets in more and more lap time. This time since I have had her home she is constantly by my side, or getting in my lap and PURRING! (She never purrs!) She is such a little sweetie pie!

**catmandu** · 11-24-2005, 04:03 PM

The Found Cats and I will add Amy,to Our Prayers and hope that you are able to help that Very Special Kitty.
And Mr Fluffy had been appointed Amys Guardian Angel,to help her all that he can
Bless Your Heart for giving Amy,her Furr Ever Home!

**QueenScoopalot** · 11-25-2005, 08:35 AM

Eli was probably about 4 months old when I got him, and it was obvious from the get-go he was special needs. His two littermates were also affected, but to much lesser degrees. I think a lot of it has to do with him being older now (he'll be 10 in April). He's taken lots of falls and all his teeth are gone as a result. He has slowed down a lot over the years, but I think it's more to do with his weight. Has Amy gained more weight, or been more sedentary?