Some days are better than others. Being a breeder isnt always easy or fun. Much as I am grateful to Bitty and her new babies for keeping me centered through a bad bout of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, while focusing on them helped distract me from intense pain, being up all night and dozing off and on the next day doesnt delete the necessity for a lot of Ibuprofen! Yesterday I had enough energy to work my way through all the litter pans (5 large, 2 medium, 4 small), do some house chores (taking frequent breaks on the couch) and even complete a small unexpected project. The sunflowers Fred and Ruth brought me last weekend when they visited are wilting, but still a cheerful note, which I needed this morning. Bitty brought the last-born of her kittens to me during the night. This morning, half asleep, I put it back in the box with the others. When I finally got up, I went into the kitchen to make a mug of hot cocoa, since my coffeemaker died and I have to buy a new one. I was gradually reaching full consciousness when I noticed the one kitten wasnt nursing. I picked him up and he was limp- never a good sign. I squeezed a few drops of Pedialite into his mouth and he swallowed: did it again and a bubble formed at his nose. Any breeder knows what this signifies. Carefully opening his mouth as far as possible, there was the dreaded cleft palate. Abys, Maus and Siamese have the highest tested rate for cleft palates. The fissure in this kitten extended from front to back- to the nasal passages. He cant nurse, so a long nipple and formula wont work. Inhalation pneumonia is almost a given. A feeding tube is the only option, but theres not much point. Surgery isnt possible until hes 3-4 months old: first the hard palate, then the soft palate. The chances that hed make it that long are slim to none. My decision is to let Bitty deal with it. He is already dehydrated and weak. Hes not fighting to survive. Its so sad, but at some point today or tonight, she will lie on him and he will go quietly. Its Natures way. I could take him to the vet and have him put down, but Bitty will look for him. This way, shell know hes gone. I guess closure is important in any species. Cleft palates are sometimes inherited, but research has shown that there can be many causes, from bacterial and viral to medications during the first trimester to too much Vitamin A. In Bittys case, I am quite sure it was a medication. I havent seen a cleft palate in many years, so I am sure its not hereditary. Yes, breeders do make mistakes. Regrets dont help when you see the results. In 40 years, Ive seen a few tragedies, probably even caused some, but theres always another issue down the line, and you can only hope to learn from it, and pass it on. Its why the best breeders share their worst experiences and dont keep secrets. With retirement in progress, its almost over for me, but I hope Ill always be here for the next person who has the guts and heart to do what Ive done for over half my life. The first lesson in breeding is that you take the bad with the good and hope for the best.
Posted on: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 18:20:23 +0000
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