Testing

 

To avoid HCM in my breeding lines, I'm testing my breeding cats first at the age of one year, before the first mating. The second test is done at the age of 3-4 years, and the final, confirming test at the age of 6-7 years. So far, there is no HCM found in Zigwan Siberian Cats.

 

Short info about HCM:

HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common acquired heart disease in cats. It is characterized by having a thickened heart muscle that does not relax well. As the pressures within the heart increase the top chamber of the heart dilates and congestive heart failure ensues. Echocardiography is used to diagnose HCM. Radiographs allow visualization of the lungs and overall heart size. Prognosis varies and depends on the patient's response to therapy. Many cats will stabilize and live for several years with the disease, while others may progress more quickly. Cats with HCM are at risk of developing arrhythmias, sudden death, congestive heart failure, and blood clots. (AVCC)

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There is another heart disease, SAS, very rare in cats, which caused the sudden death of FIN*Zigwan's Chato. The genetic model of SAS is unknown. Chato is so far the only Siberian Cat in Finland diagnosed by SAS. This disease is commonly known in big size dog breeds.

 

Short info about SAS:

SUBAORTIC STENOSIS

Subaortic stenosis (SAS) is a congenital anomaly that involves the tissue just below the aortic valve. This tissue is abnormal and it causes a narrowing, or stenosis, where the blood leaves the heart. The left ventricle then has to push harder to force blood through this small hole. With time the left ventricle can become thickened from this increased work. Arrhythmias, sudden death, and congestive heart failure are common with severe aortic stenosis. Unfortunately, there is not a good surgical procedure to cure this disease. Instead, we rely on medical therapy to reduce the amount of obstruction and minimize arrhythmias. Dogs that are in the mild to moderate range may live normal lives. Dogs in the severe range are at a high risk of sudden death before the age of three. They are also at risk of going into congestive heart failure. (AVCC)

 

 

Testing CP DNA is not a question of health, but only to find out the recessive colour of the cat. I have taken that test on some of my breeding cats to separate the possible colour points from my traditional colour breeding.