Page 48 - Complete Cat Care: How To Keep Your Cat Healthy and Happy

Inherited disorders

Inherited, or genetic, disorders are problems passed on from one
generation to the next. There are certain disorders associated with
particular breeds; a few major genetic disorders are covered here.

Why do inherited filled cysts form in the kidneys Hypokalemic
disorders occur? and gradually increase in size. polymyopathy
Inherited disorders result from The disease causes increased urine This disorder is associated with
faults in genes—sections of production, excessive thirst, weight Burmese, related breeds such as
DNA inside cells, which hold loss, and lethargy. Screening for the Bombay and Tonkinese, and
the “instructions” for the cat’s PKD is possible through DNA Rex cats. An autosomal recessive
development, body structures, analysis of cheek swabs. disorder, it is caused by faulty genes
and functions. Genetic disorders from both parents. In hypokalemic
usually develop in small HCM polymyopathy, low potassium levels
populations, or result from the Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the blood cause episodes of weak
46 mating of animals that are too (HCM) is mainly associated with muscles, a stiff walk, and reduced
closely related. For this reason, the Maine Coon and Ragdoll, and ability to hold up the head. The cat
such disorders are more common is linked to one faulty gene. The may have difficulty breathing and
disorder causes the heart muscle
standing. There is a gene test for
in pedigrees. Sometimes screening
Your cat’s health with inherited disorders. which reduces the space inside the potassium supplements.
tests can be used to identify cats
to become thicker and less elastic,
the disorder; it can be treated with
heart’s chambers and the volume
PKD
of blood that the heart can pump.
This eventually leads to heart
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is
associated with Persian and Exotic
breathlessness, lethargy, and loss
Shorthair cats. It is an autosomal failure. Symptoms of HCM include
dominant disorder—that is, a cat of appetite. Screening involves
can inherit it from just one parent. gene tests and ultrasound scans
In PKD, a large number of fluid- of the heart.

△ Burmese cat
Hypokalemic polymyopathy may first appear at
2–6 months, often in Burmese or related Asian
breeds. Episodes can be brought on by stress,
cold weather, or exercise.

◁ PKD and Persian cats
Persians are one breed at risk of polycystic
kidney disease. In this disorder, fluid-filled cysts
develop in the kidneys, enlarging throughout the
cat’s life and leading to kidney failure.

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