‧₊˚ ୨୧┊Cat-erpillar ⊹ ⤿ research for Fidgetkit's polymelia ´ˎ˗ ⠀⠀⋮ ⋮ ✩ ⠀⠀⋮ ✩⠀ ⠀⋮ ⠀ ✩ ⋮ ⋮ ⠀⠀⋮ ⋮ ✩ ⠀⠀⋮ ✩ ✩ ————⟢ ❝ What a caterpillar calls the end ❞ ‧₊˚ ୨୧┊ONE . polymelia research ´ˎ˗ ⤿ Polymelia is commonly caused by a developmental error during the affected cat's embryonic stage. Certain buds don't form how they would normally what results in additional limb(s). However polymelia can also result out of a genetic mutation. It is heritable through affected developmental regulators for example HOX genes. Another cause can be an incompletely formed littermate who contibutes the extra limb(s). Polymelia can occur alongside other defects for example affecting the spine or organs of the affected cat. This often impacts urinary and reproductive functions. Reproductive issues mean that it can make a cat infertile. This won't be the case for Fidgetkit though. His polymelia is caused by a genetical error most likely inherited from one of his parents through genes. If he ever has kits they might inherit it too. The extra limb(s) can interfere with the cat's balance and posture, but can also impact their jumping and walking. Fidgetkit will often avoid climbing and similar activities because otherwise he might get hurt. The claws, muscles, skin and sometimes even fur of the extra limb(s) are often poorly formed making them more prone to infections and getting damaged for example in battle or while hunting. Fidgetkit's extra limbs might get stuck somewhere what could make him stumble and damage it accidentally for example. Also if they are long enough the affected cat might drag the additional limb(s) along with them. The extra limb(s) will get injured through the constant rubbing and might even get infected by for example debris that gathers inside the wounds. If the additional limb(s) have nerve connections that might cause sudden abnormal pain and sensations. If they get amputated later on the affected cat might experience phantom pain, meaning that they might feel like the limb(s) are still there even though they aren't. The phantom limb(s) for example seemingly still interfere with their walking even though they are gone. Other issues are secondary arthritis, spinal stress or limb length discrepancies that can be caused by orthopedic deformations. A treatment option for polymelia is for example physical therapy. In the world of Warrior Cats it would be done together with or by the medic especially when the limb(s) impair the mobility of the affected cat. Either way even if they don't cause any problems a medic would still have to monitor Fidgetkit. In his case he'll struggle with vulnerability, mobility and urinary issues. Good thing that Harebelltumbleweed is a medic. He would mostly have to monitor nulls son and do physical therapy with him especially while Fidgetkit is still young and developing. It would be ideal if the fact that they're related would form a strong bond between the two so that Fidgetkit will visit her regulary and won't have an issue with talking to Harebell about his health problems so that he can get proper treatment. As an additional note: in the real world, vets might decide to remove the limb(s) if they cause too many issues for the affected cat. However in the Warrior Cats (roleplay) world medics wouldn't do this since they firstly do not have the needed equipment and tools and secondly it would be way too graphic and not very child-friendly. So Fidgetkit will keep his extra limbs even though they impact his health. Fidgetkit's polymelia won't have a huge impact on his life span except he gets injured and the wound doesn't get treated or something like that. He will have issues with his mobility but this won't stop him from hunting and fighting for his clan (if he becomes a warrior). Fidgetkit will become a careful cat aware that his extra limbs get injured easily. In conclusion Fidgetkit will get treated well and live a life as long as every other cat though it will be impacted by health issues. ————⟢ ❝ We call a butterfly ❞ ‧₊˚ ୨୧┊TWO . links ´ˎ˗ ⤿ application ⸝⸝ ⤿ litter ⸝⸝
