Congenital osteodystrophy in cats

Overview

This is an inherited condition that causes skeletal deformities. The vertebrae of the spine can be affected, as are the bones of the legs and tail. The condition in Scottish Fold Cats is related to the gene that produces the breed's recognizable folded ears. When two cats carrying the gene are bred together, the kittens are more likely to develop congenital osteodystrophy.

Symptoms

Symptoms may show up in kittenhood and the tail may be tender and the bones feel thick and stiff. As the disease progresses, the following symptoms will appear:

• The cat will appear uncomfortable and may not move readily.
• The bones of the legs, back, and tail will be tender.
• The bones will appear thick.
• The cat will limp, will refuse to jump, and will not play.
• Eventually the cat will be in severe pain.

Cause and treatment

Congenital osteodystrophy is caused by breeding together two Scottish Fold Cats who each carry the gene that causes the folded ears. This gene also carries with it the skeletal deformity. When this was recognized, Scottish Fold breeders were advised to breed one Scottish Fold cat to a cat of another breed rather than to another Scottish Fold. This widens the gene pool (See [Problems Associated with a Small Gene Pool]).

The future

There is no cure for Congenital Osteodystrophy and treatment options are very limited. Most affected cats are humanely euthanized.