Neurological/musculoskeletal conditions

Neuromuscular disease (r)

The Snowshoe breed was established in the US in the 1960s by crossing a Siamese with an American shorthair. The breed is present in the UK, but only in small numbers. A condition has recently been recognised that causes young (4-8 month old) kittens of this breed to develop intermittent hind limb weakness with significant muscle loss that becomes progressively more debilitating.

Feliu-Pascual AL, Matiasek L, de Risio L, de Stefani A, Catalan EB. (2007) Neuromuscular disease in young Snowshoe cats. Vet Rec Feb 10th: 202, letter

PLEASE HELP US TO KEEP THIS WEBSITE UPDATED – LET US KNOW OF ANY NEW INFORMATION, REFERENCES, AND TESTS THAT HAVE BECOME AVAILABLE.

Tel: +44 (0)1747 871872
Email: info@fabcats.org

KEY

Genetics confirmed and/or test available
Breed predisposition/strongly suspected as inherited
Potential breed predisposition is recognised but it is not currently known if the condition is inherited or not, only single case reports are available or evidence is anecdotal

* well recognised within the breed
r  rare or only seen in specific line/group