|
 |
|
| Name: |
Steve
|
Age: |
Four years old
|
| Gender: |
Female
|
Kind: |
Silver Tabby Tuxedo
|
| Home: |
Adrian, Oregon, USA
|
This
is Stevie Bobby (Steve for short). Steve is a special kitty in that
she was born with Cerebellar Hypoplasia (CH). Cerebellar Hypoplasia is
disorder found in cats and dogs (though there is also a human version of
it) that is the result of the cerebellum not being fully mature at birth.
(The cerebellum is a region of the brain that affects motor control such
as precision, coordination, and timing.)
It can be caused by Viral and bacterial infections, malnutrition, injury,
or accidents in the mother while the kit/pup is developing in the fetus. A
notable viral infection is Panleukopenia (also known as Distemper). CH can
be mild to severe. Steve is an example of a mild case of CH, more severe
cases would be Benetar or Charlie (both of which can be seen on youtube
simply by searching "Cerebellar Hypoplasia" and their name).
CH does not get worse or better with time - it is what it is. Animals with
CH usually learn to accommodate for it (after all, they don't know any
better. In their eyes, they are just normal animals doing what normal
animals do), and are not in pain. Their lifetime expectancy is average and
can even be above average if the caregivers take the appropriate steps to
create a safe environment for their CH afflicted pet.
Steve has brought a lot of joy to the people she has met--her independent
attitude and constant silliness bring a sense of optimism to those around
her. She never gives up, she has the idea that she can do anything any
other cat can do, and she can! She gets along great with the other pets
(despite some constant harassment towards the eldest cat of the household,
Oreo) and does fantastic with adapting to new environments. She's a little
explorer and everything that defines "cat". Our hope is to see others
learn more about Steve's condition as well as other conditions found in
animals to prevent the unnecessary euthanasia of pets like Steve. We are
glad she is here every day.
Videos: Hey Let's Go, Steve! and Steve Runs
|
|
|
|
|
