Breed-related disease: Chihuahua
John K. Rosembert The Chihuahuas are the world’s smallest dog breed, and they’re named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua. There are two varieties of Chihuahua recognized by t he AKC– the Smooth Coat (short-haired) and the Long Coat (long-haired) . Both the Smooth and the Long Coats have their special attractions and are equally easy to keep clean and well-groomed. It is a good companion dog. Courageous, extremely lively, proud and adventurous, they enjoy affection. Brave, cheerful and agile, Chihuahuas can be strong-willed without proper human leadership. They are loyal and become attached to their owners. For some, they may be slightly difficult to train, but they are intelligent, learn quickly, and respond well to proper, firm but gentle training. Do not let the Chihuahua get away with things you would not allow a large dog to do (Small Dog Syndrome), such as jumping up on humans. The Chihuahua may be just right for traveling around in a puppy purse, but they are not a good for house with children under the age of eight (8) because of their small size, and also they tend to be high-strung and prone to nipping, snapping and even biting when frightened or threatened, or when defending his people or territory. Chihuahuas are prone to certain health conditions. To help you be more aware and prepared for these potential ailments, we have put together information on the health issues that we see the most in Chihuahuas: Epilepsy: is a brain disorder that results in seizures or fitting. (It is likely the Chihuahuas can suffer from conditions that affect the brain, spine and some nerves) Tracheal collapse: a dog’s respiratory system runs from the nose to the air sacs in the lungs. Any part of this system can become diseased. Tracheal collapse, for example, is a common cause of airway obstruction in small breeds such as Chihuahuas. The trachea ( or windpipe) is a tube made up of sturdy rings of cartilage through which air is transported to and from the lungs when the dog breathes. Sometimes the tracheal rings begin to collapse, and the air is squeezed through, resulting in a characteristic honking cough. Heart disease: Chihuahuas are particularly prone to valve disease, which often leads to heart failure. Early diagnosis of heart problems is key because if they progress to the “heart failure” stage, treatment will then be needed for the rest of the dog’s life. Legg-Perthes disease: Legg-Perthes disease causes disintegration of the ‘ball’ part of the hip joint. It is commonly seen in younger, small breeds of dogs like the Chihuahua. Treatment involves rest and control of arthritis or surgery to remove the damaged part of the hip. Dislocating kneecap: a relatively common condition in Chihuahuas and other small breeds, dislocation happens because the alignment of the bones from the hip through the knee to the ankle is not straight, which pulls the kneecap to one side. Sources: https://www.dogster.com/dogs-101/chihuahua-dog-breed https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chihuahua_(dog) https://www.petplan.co.uk/pet-information/dog/breed/chihuahua/ http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/chihuahua Photo credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chihuahua_(dog)
Breed-related disease: Cyprus cats
John K. Rosembert The Cyprus Cat also is known as “Aphrodite’s Giant” is an ancient breed of landrace cats that are said to be inhabiting the island of Cyprus for at least 4000 years. The Cyprus cats are not recognized as a formal breed by itself, but a descendant of the ancient Egyptian cats. They developed in the mountainous regions of Cyprus. Considered to be one of the largest cat breeds, because of their massive size which enabled them to hunt large prey. Due to their physical appearance, kittens are big-boned right from the beginning. Their head is in a triangular shape, with long straight muzzle and nose, strong chin and teeth. They have very long back legs, which helps them in climbing steep slopes, their eyes are olive-shaped and all colors are allowed. Their ears are medium to large, wide at the base and slightly rounded at the top head. The tail of Cyprus cats is medium to long, and they also have soft cotton semi-long hair. It is not usually an independent cat that likes to be alone for any amount of time. However, some people have noted that their Cyprus cats are independent and like to have solo time on occasion. They also vary in terms of handling. Some like to be picked up, petted, and make for good lap cats, while others detest it. This does not mean that they are not affectionate, but they don’t always like to be handled. What is certain about the Cyprus cat is that it is a very active and playful cat breed. They love to run around, jump up to new heights, play with cat toys, and they are known for being explorative hunters as well. Either way, they usually want a lot of attention and interaction. The Cyprus cat is known for being quite a healthy and hardy cat. They are fairly rare, and not too much research has been done into their genetics. However, since they have been around for over 4,000 years, it is assumed that they are hardy and resilient. They may develop normal feline health conditions, such as minor heart diseases, periodontal disease, and kidney disease in cats, but nothing breed specific. https://www.catbreedselector.com/cyprus-cat.asp https://www.cat-breeds.com/cyprus-cat/ Photo credit: https://kittywise.com/cyprus-cat/
Breed-related disease: Asian Semi-longhair
John K. Rosembert The Asian Semi-Longhair is a cat breed similar to the Asian Shorthair except they have semi-long hair instead of short hair. These cats are normally known by the name Tiffanie. They are recognized in any of the Asian Shorthair or Burmese colors and patterns. Like the Asian Shorthair, the breed was developed in Britain and is not currently recognized by any U.S. Registries. It has full recognition in the GCCF and although it is a relatively rare breed some fine examples have become champions. The Asian Semi-longhair is a very sociable and people-friendly cat. It is often referred to as being a dependent cat, as it absolutely hates being alone and does not want to be left on its own. It’s not a type of cat to get if you do not have ample time to play and socialize with it. The Asian Semi-longhair loves to meet new people and old friends alike, plus it does fine with kids and dogs. In fact, it is a type of cat that really enjoys playing with children. It is a very playful cat that has a lot of fun with yarn, string, and all toys alike. This is also a very curious and adventurous cat that loves exploring new places. It has a tendency to get into drawers and cupboards, and it always wants to find out what is behind closed doors. The Asian Semi-longhair is a fairly vocal cat, and they will definitely tell you when they are unhappy with their fairly loud voices. The Asian Semi-longhair tends to be a fairly healthy cat, although they have been known to develop some issues with age. Some common problems include heart, renal, and periodontal diseases, although these are not really breed specific. They do require regular deworming, and they need to have their vaccinations. That said, they are not overly prone to serious health conditions. Sources: Photo credit: https://kittywise.com/asian-semi-longhair/ https://cats.fandom.com/wiki/Asian_Semi-longhair https://kittywise.com/asian-semi-longhair/
Breed-related disease: Affenpinscher
John K. Rosembert The Affenpinscher also known as the “monkey dogs,” could be described as cheeky little monkeys. That isn’t to say that they’re naughty but a comical little dog with bags of personality. He is a small, compact terrier-type dog with bushy eyebrows and a mischievous monkey-like expression. The coat is rough and of uneven length over the body adding to their somewhat comical appearance. They have a lively, strutting movement. He is one of the oldest breeds, known to have been in existence in the 17th century and similar dogs appear in paintings of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The Affenpinscher adores his family and is fine with other family pets, especially when raised with them. In the home, he is an inquisitive busybody who must check out new sights and sounds. His playful antics are delightfully entertaining as he bats toys around with his agile paws. Affenpinschers do have a mind of their own, and without a firm hand can be obstinate and demanding, tossing tantrums or sulking when they don’t get their own way. It might make you laugh, but spoiling is not recommended for this breed, especially since he is so bright and does respond well to calm, patient training, like most terrier-type dogs, the Affenpinscher is proud and sensitive and does not take kindly to being teased. This breed is happiest in a home without young children. According to dog experts, Affenpinscher Dogs score 3 out of 5 in the scale of breeds that are considered the most healthy dog breeds. They are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they’re prone to certain health conditions. Not all Affens will get any or all of these diseases, but it’s important to be aware of them if you’re considering this breed. Patellar Luxation: Also known as “slipped stifles,” this is a common problem in small dogs. It is caused when the patella, which has three parts-the femur (thigh bone), patella (knee cap), and tibia (calf)–is not properly lined up. This causes lameness in the leg or an abnormal gait, sort of like a skip or a hop. Legg-Perthes Disease: Generally a disease of small breeds, this condition–a deformity of the ball of the hip joint–usually appears at 6 to 9 months of age and can be confused with hip dysplasia. It causes wearing and arthritis. It can be repaired surgically, and the prognosis is good with the help of rehabilitation therapy afterward. Hip Dysplasia: This is a heritable condition in which the thighbone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip joint. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. If you’re buying a puppy, ask the breeder for proof that the parents have been tested for hip dysplasia and are free of problems. Heart Murmurs: Heart murmurs are caused by a disturbance in the blood flow through the chambers of the heart. They’re an indicator that there may be a disease or condition of the heart that will need to be monitored and treated. Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affenpinscher https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/affenpinscher#/slide/1 https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/affenpinschers.html Photo credit: https://www.thesprucepets.com/breed-profile-affenpinscher-1117931
Feline Blood-Types
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Feline Blood-Types Andy Pachikerl, Ph.D Introduction Like humans, cats have blood grouping. However, cats do not have the blood-type O positive. The blood type classification of cats, however, is currently based on the AB system, but like dogs, there are other antigens besides the AB system , such as the Mik blood type. The blood type of cats is composed of mainly A, B, and AB. Type A is the most common, type B is rarer, and type AB is rarest. About 95% of domestic cats are type A blood, and some varieties such as exotic short-haired cats, British short-haired cats, Persian cats, and Scottish folds have a higher percentage of type B blood. As mentioned, the blood-type of cats is mainly A, B, or AB. Peculiarly for AB type, other blood types have innate antibodies. Unlike dogs, cats have antibodies against “non-self” or foreign erythrocytes that can cause lethal immuno -reaction. Therefore, cats cannot obtain a “wrong” blood of different blood types. Before any blood transfusion clinically, cat blood typing is extremely important. Incompatibility of blood type can lead to fatal acute hemolysis reaction, particularly, the blood of a type A cat was given to a type B cat. The anti-type B antibodies found in type A cats have weaker affinity towards each other, causing a mild immune response. However, type B cats have a strong affiliated anti-type A antibody, which can cause a strong immune response. Once type B cat transfuses A-type blood, the red blood cells are rapidly destroyed,resulting in intravascular hemolysis. As little as 1 ml of type A cat blood, it is enough to cause a serious immune reaction in type B cat and then causes absolute lethality. Keep in mind that blood typing is not only extremely vital prior a blood transfusion, but also for cat breeding! Neonatal isoerythrolysis (NI) occurs when a mommy cat with type B blood gives birth to kittens with type A or AB blood and breast-feed them with a high chance of having antigens of type A blood antibodies in the milk, which can cause a severe hemolysis reaction in the kittens. There are no obvious clinical signs to severe hemolytic anemia, but only subtle symptoms such as hemoglobinuria and jaundice. Therefore, we must pay attention to the blood type of the parent before breeding. Despite the best of efforts to prevent them, transfusion reactions may still happen. Depending on the severity, therapy can include glucocorticoids, epinephrine, IV fluids, and discontinuing the transfusion. Fever is usually mild, requiring no treatment. Furosemide should be administered if volume overload occurs. The blood product can be warmed to no more than 37 ° C if hypothermia occurs. Crossmatching blood is the best means of preventing immune-mediated transfusion reactions even if the blood type is known for both cats. It is also imperative blood be collected and administered as aseptically as possible and cats receiving blood products are monitored carefully. The distribution of feline blood types varies by geographic region and breed (Table 1) 1-2. Type-A is the most common type among most cats. There is, however, geographic variation in the prevalence of type-B domestic shorthaired cats. Over 10% of the domestic shorthair cats in Australia, Italy, France and India are type- B. Breed distribution does not vary as much by location because of the international exchange of breeding cats. Over 30% of British Shorthair cats, Cornish and Devon Rex cats, and Turkish Angora or Vans have type-B blood. In contrast, Siamese and related breeds are almost exclusively type-A. Ragdoll cats appear to be unique regarding blood types. Approximately 3.2% of Ragdoll cats are discordant for blood group when genotyping is compared to serology, necessitating further investigation in this breed. Table 1: Selected Blood Type A and B Frequencies in Cats (ignoring AB blood types) The AB blood type is very rare while the frequency of the MiK blood type is unknown. The presence of red blood cell antigens in addition to the AB group may explain why transfusion compatibility is not guaranteed by blood typing; crossmatching is recommended prior to any transfusion 3. Breeding queens, along with blood donors and, if possible, blood recipients should be blood typed. Feline blood-typing methods There are various methods are that can be used to determine blood type, both in a laboratory and veterinarian clinic. Usually in a diagnostic laboratory, they would use various serological methods by adding reagents to samples of blood and observe for any agglutination reactions marking a positive result. In addition, genetic testing is now available to identify blood types A and B using buccal swabs, although it cannot distinguish between A and AB blood groups. In veterinarian clinics, testing may be performed using a card typing system (BIOGUARD® Feline blood -typing kit, New Taipei City, Taiwan and Rapid Vet-H®, Flemington, NJ). If the card-typing system is used, type-AB and type-B results should be confirmed by a referral laboratory as some cross-reactions have been known to occur. Recently,there was an introduction to an alternative novel method for blood typing ie using the gel column agglutination test (DiaMed-Vet® feline typing gel, DiaMed, Switzerland). This test is easier to interpret than the card method, although it requires a specially designed centrifuge that may be cost-prohibitive in some settings. An evaluation of various blood typing kits and methods revealed that accuracy of blood type must be high and working hand in hand with time efficiency. A complete comparison of kits and methods for blood typing is as follow.An evaluation of various blood typing kits and methods revealed that accuracy of blood type must be high and working hand in hand with time efficiency. A complete comparison of kits and methods for blood typing is as follow.An evaluation of various blood typing kits and methods revealed that accuracy of blood type must be high and working hand in hand with time efficiency. A complete comparison of kits and methods for blood typing is
Antibiotic Resistance: Horizontal Gene Transfer
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Antibiotic Resistance: Horizontal Gene Transfer Robert Lo, Ph. D, D.V.M. Antimicrobial compounds, including both naturally and chemically synthesized compounds, have been one of the most important inventions to combat infections. Penicillin was the first natural antibiotic to be discovered from Penicillium fungus by Alexander Fleming in 1928. Following the discovery of penicillin, researchers started search for more antibiotics from soil microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. Streptomycin produced by Streptomyces griseus was found in 1943. Most antibiotics in use today originated from the phylum Actinobacteria with nearly 80% of actinobacterial-derived antibiotics produced by soil-dwelling bacteria of the genus Streptomyces (Barka et al., 2016). Currently, antibiotics are classified into different groups based on their mechanism of antimicrobial activity. The main groups are: inhibit cell wall synthesis (β-lactams and glycopeptides), depolarize cell membrane (lipopeptides), inhibit protein synthesis (aminoglycosamides, chloramphenicol, lincosamides, macrolides, oxazolidinones, streptogramins, and tetracyclines), inhibit nucleic acid synthesis (Quinolones), inhibit fatty acid synthesis (platensimycin), and inhibit metabolic pathway (sulfonamides and trimethoprim). With so many groups of antibiotics to treat pathogens, it seems that antibiotics would win the battles against the infection. However, the marked increase of antibiotics resistance pathogens have exceeded new drug discovery, and this resistance occurs shortly after a new drug is approved for treatment. Therefore the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria has raised the concerns for public health worldwide. How did antibiotics resistance pathogens appear so quickly? More importantly, how did resistance develop? Antibiotic resistance is ancient and it is expected results of the interaction of many organisms with their environment. Since most antimicrobial compounds are produced by bacteria, it is nature that those antibiotic-producing bacteria also contain self-resistance mechanisms against their own antibiotics. D’Costa et al. identified that most Streptomyces are resistant to an average of seven to eight antibiotics, including newly developed and clinically important therapeutics (D’Costa et al., 2006). In addition, it is believed that non-antibiotics producing environmental bacteria have evolved resistance mechanisms to overcome the action in order to survive via co-existence with antibiotic-producing bacteria. Researchers also identified the presence of gene-encoding resistance to β-lactams, tetracycline, and glycopeptide antibiotics in metagenome samples of 30,000-year-old permafrost (D’Costa et al., 2011). Analysis of the vancomycin resistance gene cluster in this metagenome also revealed conservation of gene sequence and synteny with modern resistance clusters in the clinic as well as protein function and structure. Resistance to antibiotics occurs either by mutation or by acquisition of resistance genes via horizontal gene transfer. It is believed that horizontal gene transfer is the most important factor in the current pandemic of antimicrobial resistance. Though the mechanisms has long been existence, the rate of antibiotic resistant gene spread and the number of resistant strains has increased tremendously over the past few decades because of selective pressure through antibiotic use. The use and misuse of antibiotics in medicine, agriculture, and aquaculture has been linked to the emergence of resistant bacteria (Cabello, 2006; Economou & Gousia, 2015). In addition, the majority of consumed antibiotics are excreted unchanged, and are then introduced into the environment directly or through waste streams (Sarmah et al, 2006). As a result, waste streams become hotspots for the spread of antimicrobial resistance because of the introduction of antibiotic selection pressure into commensals and pathogens (Graham et al., 2011). These increasing environmental exposure to antibiotics has significantly increased antibiotic resistance genes of pathogenic bacteria, especially with the tetracycline resistance gene being 15 times more abundant now than in the 1970s (Knapp et al., 2010). In addition, increasing selection pressure has accelerated bacterial horizontal gene transfer process, increasing the number of resistome elements which reside mobile DNA compared to the pre-antibiotics era (Datta and Hughes, 1983). Role of horizontal gene transfer in spread of antibiotic resistance genes Conjugation Conjugation is the process by which one bacterium transfers genetic material to another through direct contact. In conjugation, DNA is transferred from one bacterium to another. After the donor cell pulls itself close to the recipient via cell surface pili or adhesins, DNA is transferred between cells. Plasmid- mediated conjugation is considered the most prevalent method of horizontal gene transfer mechanisms in nature (Volkova et al., 2014). The acquisition of novel genes by plasmids through mobile genetic elements such as transposons (Babakhani and Oloomi., 2018) or integrons (Akrami et al., 2019), and their ability to replicate in a wide range of hosts, made them perfect vectors for the spread of AMR. Some of known plasmids-mediated antibiotic resistance gene transfer events are the spread of carbapenemase blaCTX-M extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), which can hydrolyze β-lactams (Ramos et al., 2013), and spread of quinolone resistance gene (Robicsek et al., 2006). Transposons are found in both gram negative bacteria, including Tn1, Tn3, Tn5, Tn9, Tn10, Tn21, Tn501, Tn903, Tn1525, Tn1721, Tn2350 and Tn3926, and gram positive bacteria, including Tn551, Tn917, Tn4001, Tn4451, and Tn4003. Resistance gene cassettes most frequently associated with class 1 integrons are streptomycin-spectinomycin resistance genes and trimethoprim resistance genes. Class 1 integrins has been found in gram negative bacteria, including Escherichia, Klebsiella, Aeromonas, Enterobacter, Providencia, Mycobacterium, Burkholderia, Alcaligenes, Campylobacter, Citrobacter, Stenotrophomonas, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Serratia, Vibrio, and Shigella (Partridge et al., 2009; Xu et al., 2011 ), and in gram positive bacteria, including Corynebacterium, Aeromonas, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, and Brevibacterium (Nandi et al., 2004; Xu et al., 2010). Class 2 integrons have been found in Salmonella, Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcus, Acinetobacter, and Pseudomonas (Machado et al., 2008; Xu et al., 2010; Xu et al., 2011). Class 3 integrons have been reported in Escherichia, Citrobacter, Klebsiella, Salmonella, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Alcaligenes, and Serratia (Rowe-Magnus et al., 2001; Ploy et al., 2003). Class 4 integrons have been linked to Pseudomonas, Vibrionaceae, Xanthomonas, Shewanella, and other proteobacteria (Clark et al., 2000; Rowe-Magnus et al., 2001). Transformation In transformation, a bacterium takes in DNA from its environment, often DNA that has been shed by other bacteria. If the DNA is in the form of a circular DNA called a plasmid, it can be copied in the receiving
Breed-related disease: British Shorthair Cat
John K. Rosembert The British Shorthair is a dignified, intelligent and affectionate companion. They aren’t your general lapcat, but they tend to be always by your side on the sofa or at least nearby. Females tend to have a serious demeanor, while males are more happy -go-lucky. These laidback cats can get along well with dogs and are calm around children, but they don’t enjoy being hauled around. The British Shorthair is solid and muscular with an easygoing personality. As befits his British heritage, he is slightly reserved, but once he gets to know someone he’s quite affectionate. His short, dense coat comes in many colors and patterns and should be brushed two or three times a week to remove dead hair. British Shorthairs are generally a robust breed without too many problems. Because they have been bred with Persians in the past there is small chance of a being affected by: Polycystic kidney disease: a condition where cysts, present in the kidneys from birth, gradually increase in size until the kidney cannot function normally, resulting in kidney failure. A genetic test is available for this disease. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a condition where the volume of blood that the heart pumps with each contraction is reduced. This can cause fainting, tiredness and other signs of heart disease. Sources: http://www.vetstreet.com/cats/british-shorthair#1_ugw20zmq http://aubreyamc.com/feline/british-shorthair/ Photo credit: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/british-shorthair Photo credit: https://apkpure.com/tw/british-shorthair-cat-wallpaper-hd/com.autoinsurance.australia#com.autoinsurance.australia-1
Breed-related disease: Labrador Retriever
John K.Rosembert The Labrador Retriever (aka Labrador, or Lab for short) is one of several kinds of retriever, a type of gun dog. The Labrador Retriever is loyal, devoted, playful, and hardworking. He is patient with children and makes a wonderful companion and family dog. There are two types depending on which lab they were bred from: the English-bred Labs and the American-bred Labs. The English-bred Labs have a stockier, blockier, heavier and thicker build than the American-bred dogs. Both breeds have smooth double-coats without waves. The English labs also are more laid-back and they mature faster. Whatever their ancestry, Labs have a natural disposition to please and have fun, Although he barks protectively, due to his friendly nature, he is not suitable to be a guard dog, but he excels as a guide dog or assistance dog for the disabled, a search-and-rescue dog and a sniffer dog. If you are thinking of getting or got a Labrador Retriever, here are some of the most common health issues your Labrador might face: Joint Problems: Many Labs suffer from joint problems such as hip or elbow dysplasia, these conditions affect the hip or elbow joints, prohibiting normal movement and causing pain and immobility. Bloat and Obesity: Labradors are famously known for rapid eating which can also result in dangerous gastric distention. In dogs, this is also known as bloat which is a huge health problem in Labradors. Caudal myopathy: This condition, which can scare many Labradors Retriever owners, is also known as “limber tail syndrome” and is commonplace among the breed, but not exclusive to it. Myopathy in this area is characterized by a flaccid paralysis in the tail. Eye problems: Many Labradors suffer from eye problems, from minor ocular defects to cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy. These are hereditary diseases that impair the dog’s vision. Sources: Photo Credit: http://fishsubsidy.org/labrador-retriever/ https://www.dogzhealth.com/labrador-retriever-health-problems/ https://www.labradortraininghq.com/labrador-health-and-care/common-labrador-health-conditions/ https://labrador-central.com/labrador-health-issues/.
Breed-related disease: Persian Cat
John K. Rosembert The Persian is the most popular pedigreed cat in North America, if not the world, it is also known as the “Persian Longhair” in the English-speaking countries. In the Middle East region, they are widely known as “Iranian cat” and in Iran they are known as “Shiraz cat”. The first documented ancestors of the Persian were imported into Italy from Iran around 1620. The Persian comes in two types: show and traditional. The show Persian has a round head enhanced with a thick ruff, small ears, a flat nose, big round copper eyes, a broad, short body with heavy boning atop short tree-trunk legs, and a thick, flowing plume of a tail. While the traditional Persian, also known as the Doll Face, does not have the extreme features of the show Persian, and his nose is a normal length, giving him a sweet expression. Both types have a long, glamorous coat that comes in many colors and patterns, and both share the same wonderful personality. Persian cats suffer from certain recurring problems. This does not mean that Persian cats are necessarily unhealthy, but you should be aware of their risks and needs in order to prevent diseases and notice them in time. Here are some of the most common diseases of Persian cats …. Hairballs and trichobezoars: Persian cats are known for their long and dense coat. Therefore, they are more likely to suffer from trichobezoars than other cats with shorter hair. Trichobezoars are hairballs that form in the cat’s stomach and digestive tract. Cats can usually regurgitate hairballs, but occasionally they accumulate in the stomach. When this happens, cats suffer badly and may even have serious health consequences. Polycystic kidney disease: Persian cats are very prone to polycystic kidney disease. This means that cysts develop in the kidney area, growing and multiplying if left untreated. It is estimated that 38% of Persian cats suffer from this hereditary disease. Respiratory problems: Persian cats are easily recognizable for their flat face and huge, round eyes. Sadly, having such a small nose causes the nasal passage to be very short and more sensitive to the cold, heat, moisture or dry environment. Heart problems: Fewer than 10% of older Persian cats have been found do have Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which causes an enlargement of the left heart chamber and can result in sudden death. Eye problems: The special shape of a Persian cat’s eyes can also cause problems. The most common ocular diseases of Persian cats include: Congenital ankyloblepharon which is an inherited abnormality that usually occurs in blue-eyed Persian cats. Congenital epiphora consists of an excessive tearing of the tear duct, which results in oxidation of the hair around the eyes and infection by bacteria or fungi in the affected area Entropion is when the eyelashes rub and irritate the cat’s cornea as a result of the inversion of the eyelid edge Primary glaucoma Excessive blood pressure in the eye which results in opacity and vision loss. It should be treated by surgery. Sources: Photo credit: https://www.animalwised.com/common-diseases-of-persian-cats-738.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persian_cat Persian https://www.animalwised.com/common-diseases-of-persian-cats-738.html