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Is Down syndrome in cats possible? This is one of the common questions animal health professionals are constantly faced with. Though the answer to this question comes in the negative, it is quite true that members of the feline population do posses some down syndrome-like symptoms from quirky physical appearances to unusual behavioral traits
For this write-up, we will be looking at the possible genetic mutations in kitties that can engender those down syndrome-like qualities including how to know when your feline is displaying such symptoms.
Down syndrome is described as a congenial disorder among humans with both intellectual and physical effects on those diagnosed with the condition. The health problem is as a result of a chromosomal defect. The nucleus of each of the cells in humans contains 23 pairs of chromosomes and victims of Down syndrome have 3 copies, either partial or complete of chromosome 21. Certain physical traits may be evident in such people like short stature, low muscle tone, some degree of learning impairment, a flat nasal bridge and many more.
The felines have just 19 pairs of chromosomes. What this means in effect is that it is technically impossible for us to have Down syndrome in cats. This is not to say that they don’t exhibit some down-syndrome-like symptoms.
Just like in humans, genetic mutations also occur among the felines. It is not uncommon to observe both neurological and physical abnormalities among our feline companions. However, abnormalities that are not within the most common forms of challenging behavior are not necessarily from extra chromosomes or gene mutations.
Furthermore, a cat’s genetic structure is quite distinct from that of human. Down Syndrome is essentially a chromosome irregularity, caused by the creation of what is referred to as a trisomy, or an additional chromosome within the Chromosome 21 pairing in humans. Because of the 19 chromosome pairing in cats where human have 23, a possible trisomy of the Chromosome 21 pairing in cats becomes impossibility.
So, the answer is no, Down syndrome in cats have never been diagnosed, though they do suffer from some neurological and physical abnormalities, which also include other abnormalities involving the chromosomes….just that Down syndrome is technically impossible with the feline genetic structure.
A cat with the condition will exhibit some intellectual impairment fraught with lack of response to some basic commands like failure to answer when called. Their appearance may be somewhat aloof, as if they are not capable of acknowledging their environment properly. The cause of this kind of neurological problem among our furry friends may be laid at the door step genetic or emotional factors. This disorder can be observed in all felines, irrespective of age or breed
Down syndrome-like symptoms among felines are too numerous, but we are going to discuss a good number of them
Though Down syndrome does not really occur in cats, the members of the feline population are still susceptible to other genetic anomalies that are similar to Down syndrome. They include
One of the genetic conditions that resemble Down syndrome in cats is cerebral hypoplasia. This happens when some parts of a feline’s cerebellum are not developed completely. Symptoms are difficulty with walking and standing, clumsiness that can make the cat experience leg tremors and bob their heads often.
Cerebral hypoplasia may be as a result of poisoning, malnutrition, or birth defect. The developmental disability has no known cure; you can only manage it by protecting the cat and ensuring that the chances of it coming to harm are limited.
Klinefelter syndrome is a genetic condition that causes a male feline to be born with an additional x chromosome. Male calico cats are rare, and when they do occur, they are most certain to be born with Klinefelter syndrome. Neutering is not necessary for these males as the condition causes sterility. Some odd behaviors may be observed in the cat, like enticing the other males to come and mate with him. Apart from this, the cat will be relatively normal.
This is common and a type of nerve damage that is associated with diabetes mellitus causing numbness or pain in the cat’s limbs. Symptoms include seizures, paralysis, unsteady gait, tremors, and weakness. Diagnosis can be done through urine sample, blood work, or electrophysiology.
Some effective treatments for distal polyneuropathy include nutritional support and electrolyte therapy. However, the underlying cause is what will determine whether the cat will recover or not. If the cause is allergic reaction, then you just need to alienate your furry from the trigger. Important to note that cats with such condition may not live long.
We cannot conclude talks on genetic condition that looks like Down syndrome in cats without considering feline dysautonomia or Key-Gaskell syndrome.
When there is failure in the autonomic system affecting the gastrointestinal and urinary tract, it leads to distension in the cat’s bowels, esophagus, and bladder. Symptoms are droopy eyes, swellings, weight loss, loss of appetite, depression, as well as a precariously slow heart rate. There is no cure available for this condition, you can only treat the symptoms and they occur.
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