Cats and K9 Carts Wheelchairs

Specimen of a cat brain from the side showing the cerebellum in aqua.

Cerebellar hypoplasia is a reason that we see young animals needing four-wheel K9 Carts. The cerebellum is a small portion of the brain (pictured in aqua to the left) that is responsible for the fine motor control.  Cerebellar hypoplasia is seen more frequently in cats than dogs.  The disease may not be immediately apparent at birth.  Animals will typical show tremors and when the other kittens or puppies in the litter start to walk, the affected pet may not walk or show uncoordinated and jerky movements.  The term "hypo" in cerebellar hypoplasia implies that the cerebellum is underdeveloped.  The cause of cerebellar hypoplasia may range from toxicity to the mother while the fetus is under development to malnutrition to genetic causes.  A definitive diagnosis can only be made by advanced imaging such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).  Due