Dermatological conditions

Congenital hypotrichosis (reduced amount of hair) (*)

Hypotrichosis means a lack of hair. In some cases it is believed to be inherited as a monogenic recessive trait. For this breed the coat is always fine but some cats have significantly less hair and these are described as hypotricotic.

Malassezia dermatitis

Malassezia pachydermatitis is a single celled yeast commonly found on the skin of Devon Rex cats (up to 100% of sampled cats). It can cause otitis externa, greasy seborrhoea, erythema and pruritis. Devon Rex cats are perticularly prone to paronychia and nail discolouration due to Malassezia. Treatment involves topical anti-fungal drugs and as shown in the study below oral anti-fungals can also be effective.

Ahman, S., Perrins, N. & Bond, R. (2007) Carriage of Malassezia spp. yeasts in healthy and seborrhoeic Devon Rex cats. Med Mycol 45:449-455
Ahman, S.,Perrins, N. & Bond, R. (2007) Treatment of Malassezia pachydermatis-associated seborrhoeic dermatitis in Devon Rex cats with itraconazole--a pilot study. Vet Dermatol. 18:171-4
Colombo S., Nardoni S., Cornegliani L., Mancianti F. (2007) Prevalence of Malassezia spp. Yeasts in feline nail folds: a cytological and mycological study. Vet Dermatol 18:278-283

Urticaria pigmentosa (r)

This condition has been described in Sphynx cats and the study below describes a similar condition in 5 Devon Rex cats. Clinical signs include erythematous and crusted papules on the trunk and ventral thorax. Histological examination showed mastocytic and eosinophilic infiltrate in the dermis. Treatment includes prednsiolone and essential fatty acids.

Noli, C., Colombo, S., Abramo, F. & Scarampella (2004) Papular eosinophilic/mastocytic dermatitis (feline urticaria pigmentosa) in Devon Rex cats: A distinct disease entity or a histopathological reaction pattern? Vet Dermatol 15:253-9

Musculoskeletal conditions

Devon Rex Myopathy (also known as spasticity) (r)

Devon Rex myopathy is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. The disease is seen in Devon Rex cats of either sex, with signs becoming apparent from 3 weeks to 6 months of age. The severity of the disease varies between cats, and may be static or slowly progressive. Affected cats show generalized muscle weakness, often with very marked weakness of the head and neck muscles, and dorsal protrusion of the shoulder blades. They typically have a high-stepping forelimb gait, and tire easily, with head bobbing, progressive protrusion of the shoulder blades, shortening of the stride, and muscle tremors. They eventually collapse onto their chest, usually with their head to one side of their forepaws. Clinical signs may be made worse by urination, defecation, stress, concurrent illness, cold ambient temperature, or excitement. At rest they often adopt a characteristic ‘dog-begging’ position, with their forepaws resting on a convenient raised object. Signs of megaoesophagus may include regurgitation, and/or aspiration pneumonia. Difficulty in maintaining a normal head position may result in frequent episodes of laryngospasm after obstruction of the pharynx (throat) with food. This is the most usual cause of death in these cats. The diagnosis may be supported by finding sparse fibrillation potentials and positive sharp waves on electrodiagnostic studies. Histopathological changes vary between cats, and also within different muscles of the same cat. Findings range from normal, to those indicative of myopathy, possibly muscular dystrophy. There is no treatment. Clinical signs may deteriorate up to 6-9 months of age, after which time the disease is usually stable or only slowly progressive. The course of the disease will depend on the severity of the myopathy, particularly the degree of pharyngeal involvement. Laryngospasm is the usual cause of death.

Malik R et al (1993) Hereditary Myopathy of Devon Rex Cats, Journal of Small Animal Practice 34:539-546
Winand N J (1994) Inherited myopathy of Devon Rex cats.  Feline Health Topics for Veterinarians 9, 1 – 2
Robinson R (1992) ‘Spasticity’ in the Devon rex cat.  Veterinary Record 130, 302
Gashen F, Jaggy A & Jones B (2004) Congential diseases of feline muscle and neuromuscular junction. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 6, 355 - 366

Patellar luxation and/or hip dysplasia (*) - see general section click here...

Cardiovascular conditions

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

A familial incidence of HCM has been hypothesised and anecdotally reported in both Cornish and Devon Rex Breeds. However, to the authors knowledge there are no reports within the scientific literature, and as yet, no defects have not been identified in the Rex. 
See Screening scheme info on www.fabcats.org/hcm

Inherited Heart Disease in the Cat.  Tufts' Canine and Feline Breeding and Genetics Conference, 2003
Kathryn M. Meurs, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Cardiology)

Haematological/immunological conditions

Bleeding disorders; Vitamin K-dependent coagulopathy (r) – see general section click here...

Infectious conditions

Predisposition to FIP - see general section click here...