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Snow Leopard Cub At Sacramento Zoo Undergoing Physical Therapy

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - The snow leopard cub born at the Sacramento Zoo is undergoing physical therapy to help him with several birth defects.

The cub, who was a twin, has swimmers syndrome in his rear legs, meaning his legs are "noticeably splayed," according to a new post on the zoo's blog. He also has eyelid birth defects and may need surgery in the future.

snow leopard 1
Credit: Sacramento Zoo

The other cub died shortly after birth.

SEE: Sacramento Zoo Celebrating New Brew Inspired By Animal

Veterinarians at the zoo, zookeepers, and specialists with the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine do physical therapy with the cub three times a day in hopes it will correct the problem and allow him to walk. The therapy includes helping him walk on surfaces with good traction and having him wear a harness to lift his hips and re-position his legs.

snow leopard 2
Credit: Sacramento Zoo

Staff at the Sacramento Zoo is looking into additional treatment options for the cub, including possibly allowing him into his exhibit for short amount of time.

snow leopard 3
Credit: Sacramento Zoo

The cub is currently off-exhibit, along with his mom, Misha. His dad, Blizzard, visits.

Misha is a first-time mom who gave birth at the Sacramento Zoo on May 6th. It was the first snow leopard birth since 2006.

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