Page 247 - The Complete Cat Breed Book (DK)

INHERITED DISORDERS 245

CAN SCREENING MANAGING THE BREEDS OF CAT
DISEASE DESCRIPTION DETECT IT? DISEASE AFFECTED
Glycogenosis Inability to metabolize Yes. A genetic test No treatment. Norwegian
glucose properly, is available. Affected cats will Forest Cat
leading to severe need short-term
muscle weakness fluid therapy.
then heart failure.

Hypertrophic Thickening of Yes. A genetic test Drugs may be given Maine Coon,
cardiomyopathy the heart muscle, is available. to minimize the effects Ragdoll
usually results in of heart failure.
heart failure.

Spinal muscular Progressive muscular Yes. A genetic test No treatment. In some Maine Coon
atrophy weakness, beginning is available. cases, an affected cat
in the hind limbs. may survive with an
Appears in kittens adequate quality of life
from 15 weeks old. if given support.
Devon Rex General muscle No. Disorder first No treatment. Give Devon Rex
myopathy weakness, an abnormal appears in kittens at affected cats small,
gait, and problems with 3–4 weeks old. liquid meals to avoid
swallowing. risk of choking.

Hypokalemic Muscle weakness, Yes. A genetic test The condition can be Burmese, Asian
polymyopathy associated with kidney is available for managed with oral Leopard
failure. Affected cats Burmese cats. potassium.
often have a stiff gait
and head tremors.

Lysosomal Any of various Yes. Some types of No effective Persian, Exotic,
storage disease enzyme deficiencies that the disease can treatment. Affected Siamese, Oriental,
affect many body be screened and cats usually die young. Balinese, Burmese,
systems, including the tested for. Asian Leopard, Korat
nervous system.

Polycystic Pockets of fluid (cysts) Yes. A genetic test No cure. Drugs can British Shorthair,
kidney disease develop in the kidneys, is available. be given to ease Persian, Exotic
eventually causing the workload of
kidney failure. the kidneys.

Progressive Degeneration of the Yes. There is a test No cure. Affected Abyssinian, Somali,
retinal atrophy rods and cones in the available for one form cats should be kept Persian, Exotic
retina of the eyes, of the disorder, found as safe as possible,
leading to early in Abyssinians away from potential
blindness. and Somalis. hazards.

Osteochondrodysplasia Painful degenerative No. To help prevent the Palliative treatment can Scottish Fold
joint disorder, disorder, cats with help ease pain and
leading to the folded ears should only swelling of joints.
fusion of tail, ankle, be crossed with cats
and knee bones. with normal ears.

Manx syndrome A condition where the No. There is no No treatment. Most Manx
spine is too short, leading specific test for this kittens are euthanized
to spinal-cord damage severe form of when the disease
and affecting the bladder, taillessness. becomes apparent.
bowels, and digestion.