Genetic Disorders in Cats
Polycystic Kidney Disease is caused by a dominant gene and a cat needs only need one gene to be affected
From 2009 Witchfyre will be testing foundation cats using genetic testing. Results will be posted for each individual cat tested under their profile
Pyruvate kinase deficiency is caused by a reccesive gene and requires a gene from each parent to be affected
HCM is a disease of the heart muscle in cats. It is found in some Siberian lines. It is not clear whether this was from a foundation cat or caused by the undocumented introduction of another affected breed into the gene pool or both. It is thought to be a dominant gene but with 'triggers' and 'suppressors' that may cause or inhibit the severity of the occurance in individuals and generations. This of course makes it difficult to predict.
HCM can present itself as a treatable long term condition, onset at early or late stage life, or sudden death as an adult or kitten.
There is a reluctance in the Siberian community to publish information on affected cats which is a shame as our breed is only 20 yrs old and cats can still be remembered!
There is a test for HCM using ultrasound but there are a number of problems with this:
The test can be stressful especially for cats with suspected heart problems.
It will not detect a cat that has the gene but the condition is suppressed. This would mean this cat could still pass on the gene for HCM.
The result is only as good as the tester. You need a referal from your vet to test, which is usually when a heart murmur is suspected.
The test is expensive and there is currently no corrolation of results. We need a facility on the UK to corrolate results using DNA testing for parentage.
There is a gene test being researched, but this may only prove partially effective as there may be more than one strain.
HCM is found in most cat breeds including Maine Coon and Ragdolls. This has been known for longer than the Siberian, but even with testing the condition persists.
Breeding from HCM clear lines may be a solution but would severely restrict the gene pool. This could potentialy create further problems with general health and coditions such as cancer and immune suppression.
I have added a link to Siberian Research as this provides information and support for Siberian Breeders and owners.