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Health Topics
Common issues found in the Devon Rex breed
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition that causes the muscular walls of a cat’s heart to thicken, decreasing the heart’s efficiency and sometimes creating symptoms in other parts of the body.
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- Cornell University Feline Health Center article
- Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine article
- University of Pennsylvania College of Veterinary Medicine article
Myopathy or Spasticity
Devons can inherit a type of myopathy or muscle disorder. This disease usually occurs in the first 6 months of life and stabilizes around 9 months of age. Some cats have a more severe course of disease than others. The worst problems come from the cat's inability to support its head and neck. This can cause death by choking. However, breeders can prevent this disorder by genetically screening their breeding stock and removing carriers from their programs.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited disorder in which small, closed, liquid-filled sacs develop in the tissue of the feline kidney. These sacs (cysts) tend to multiply in number and grow in size over time, eventually overwhelming normal kidney tissue and often leading to potentially fatal kidney failure. PKD has moderate prevalence in the Devon Rex breed, however, breeders can prevent this disorder by genetically screening their breeding stock and removing carriers from their programs.
Luxating patella, the technical term for a kneecap popping out of place, creates instability in a cat's hind leg by reducing the functionality of the knee joint. It causes varying degrees of pain and immobility. Luxating patella can occur as a result of trauma or aging, and it can lead to arthritis if untreated. While any cat can experience this problem, Devon Rex and Abyssinian cats may have a genetic predisposition for unstable knee caps.
Other feline related health issues to be aware of
Hip dysplasia is the medical term describing abnormal development of the hip joint. Cats with hip dysplasia have poorly aligned hips that are too loose, which leads to discomfort.