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