foot injury

Question
We just found two new born kittens in a flower garden. We have fostered many puppies so the feeding etc isn't a problem. What worries me is that both of them had grass runners wrapped around a leg. One front and one back. We trimmed the grass off after we got them out but the legs are not looking very good. No external injuries but swollen and limp. They still have umbilical cords, so they are very young. I asked at the store when I picked up the nursing kit and he felt as flexible as they are at this age they will probably be ok. I thought we would watch them today and be sure we can keep them alive and then take them to the vet. but do you think I should rub the foot or anything?

Answer
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Hi Penny, I am sorry to hear about you losing the little one. What a shame isn't it. Perhaps their mom had brought them to that place and then when they got tangled in the grass she couldn't move them and just panicked and abandoned them??
But,how wonderful that you have a foster mom for the kitten !! What good news. I will hope for the best for you! If the kitten had ANY MOVEMENT at all in that leg you have a VERY good chance of it coming back !!It means that there are nerves working and blood flow to the leg ! Yipee!! Are her feet warm?? If the feet are warm that is a good sign. Cold feet is still a worry for the foot. Feet will be the first to "go" in a leg damage situation so hopefully that is not her case. Kittens can heal well if that have not had anything permanent happen. It will probably take the kitten about 2 weeks and then she really should be fine...
Every day that goes by that she is alive is a victory at this age. If she can make it another 2 weeks..she will make it another 20 yrs !
Please let me know when you are bringing her home :)
Teresa


Hi Penny, what an odd story !
Personally I do not agree with your pet store fellow. If those legs are limp they may have permanent damage. At this age they are rubbery so the legs do not break.. but in this situation they may be permanently damaged from lack of blood flow.  DO, rub them and try to keep the kittens warm. If you pull on the toe or pinch it does the kitten pull it back from you?? The worst case scenario is that the legs would have to be amputated to prevent gangrene setting in and killing the kittens.
So, rub the legs and try to bring some blood back into them.. Please let me know how they are doing when you get my email. And you can attach pictures if you like !
Teresa