Did you know that having one copy of a particular gene can result in a dangerous heart problem in Sphynx cats? This condition is called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), and cat owners and breeders should be aware of this genetic tendency.
When researchers found the HCM gene in Sphynx, breeders and owners learned that roughly 75% of Sphynx had at least one copy of the affected gene.
HCM is a genetic disorder that passes down through dominant genes. If a cat gets just one copy of the HCM gene, it might develop the condition. This can make the heart muscle grow too thick, which affects how well the heart works.
To keep these lovely cats healthy, we need to make sure cats without the HCM gene have kittens. This smart breeding approach can help lower the number of cats born with HCM in the future. It's a way to look after Sphynx cats and keep the breed strong and healthy.
Genetic testing helps spot cats that might get HCM. It also lets breeders pick mating pairs that won't pass the gene to their kittens. By breeding healthy cats, we can cut down on HCM cases and make life better for these furry friends we love so much.
What epigenetic is ?
Epigenetics has an impact on how genes turn on or off without changing the DNA itself. It involves chemical changes to the DNA and proteins around it, which can affect gene expression.
A range of factors has an influence on epigenetic gene expression such as the environment, food intake, anxiety levels, and contact with viruses and illnesses. These elements can have an impact on how genes express themselves triggering or blocking certain traits or conditions, and are out of our hands once the kitten leaves our care.
Our Commitment: a 2-Year HCM Free Warranty
We offer a 2-year warranty as a responsible step supported by our dedication to breed healthy Sphynx cats and to help them thrive.
We promote clear dialogue and teamwork with our adopters offering advice and help to make sure our feline friends stay healthy and happy long-term.
We urge new cat owners to keep giving a well-rounded diet, a calm setting regular vet checkups, and take needed steps to cut down on virus and disease exposure.
As careful breeders and well-informed cat owners working together, we can build a caring space that boosts our Sphynx cats' health and lowers the chance of HCM. At the same time, we recognize that gene expression is complex and depends on many things.
Also, we want to point out that our cats have a clear HCM genetic status. We've had them go through extensive genetic testing for more than 70 genes linked to various health issues, including HCM. This testing gives us useful information about their genetic tendencies and helps us make smart breeding choices.
What's more, we do yearly HCM screening scans to check that their hearts stay free from HCM. These scans play a key role in spotting any possible signs of heart disease and let us take quick action to keep our cats healthy.
To support our dedication to our Sphynx cats' health, we also do regular blood tests to check Troponin I and NT-proBNFFeline levels. These markers help us keep an eye on heart health and spot any possible problems early on.
If you want to know more about HCM in Sphynx cats and their genetic tendency, we suggest you look at these publications:
1. "Genetic Basis of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Sphynx Cats" - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5909964/
2. "A deleterious mutation in the ALMS1 gene in a naturally occurring model of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the Sphynx cat" - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33639992/
3. HCM-associated ALMS1 variant: Allele drop-out and frequency in Italian Sphynx cats https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37345275/
4. "ACVIM consensus statement guidelines for the classification, diagnosis, and management of cardiomyopathies in cats
5. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in purpose-bred cats with the A31P mutation in cardiac myosin binding protein-C : https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-36932-5
6. "The genetic basis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats and humans" https://www.researchgate.net/.../290624850_The_genetic...
7. "MicroRNA profiling of the feline left heart identifies chamber-specific expression signatures in health and in advanced hypertrophic cardiomyopathy"
These publications provide valuable insights into the understanding of HCM in Sphynx and other cats and the genetic factors associated with this condition.
Alos, here is a list of several renowned veterinary cardiologists and organizations that emphasize the importance of genetic testing for HCM in sphynx cats. Here are a few notable names and organisations in the field:
1. Dr. Kathryn M. Meurs: Dr. Meurs is a board-certified veterinary cardiologist who has extensively researched feline HCM and the genetic mutations associated with the disease. She has been involved in the development of genetic tests for HCM in cats and is a proponent of genetic testing as a valuable tool for breeders and cat owners.
2. Dr. Joshua Stern: Dr. Stern is a well-known veterinary cardiologist who specializes in feline cardiology. He has conducted research on feline HCM and has emphasized the importance of genetic testing for identifying at-risk cats and implementing appropriate management strategies.
3. American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM): The ACVIM is a professional organization that certifies veterinary specialists in various fields, including cardiology. They promote the use of genetic testing for HCM in cats and provide resources for both veterinarians and cat owners on the subject.
4. Dr. Philip Fox: Dr. Fox is a veterinary cardiologist and a recognized expert in feline cardiology. He has spoken about the importance of genetic testing for HCM in cats and its role in identifying cats at risk, allowing for early intervention and management.
5. Dr. Sarah Miller: Dr. Miller is a veterinary cardiologist who has a special interest in feline cardiology. She has emphasized the significance of genetic testing in the diagnosis and management of HCM in cats and has actively promoted its use within the veterinary community.
6. International Cat Care (ICC): ICC is a global organization dedicated to improving the health and welfare of cats. They support genetic testing for HCM in cats and provide educational resources for both veterinarians and cat owners on the subject.
7. The Winn Feline Foundation: The Winn Feline Foundation is a nonprofit organization that funds feline health research. They have provided grants for studies related to HCM in cats and have highlighted the importance of genetic testing in identifying cats at risk and informing breeding practices.
Luckily, more and more people understand how important HCM genetic tests are in this breed. It was a pleasure to meet you Maria and good luck at the cat show next year. Warm regards, Donna.