🧬 Breed-Specific Health in Maine Coons

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Overview of Key Conditions and Recommended Screening

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Like many pedigree breeds, the Maine Coon has some known hereditary health conditions that responsible breeders aim to reduce through testing, health monitoring, and informed selection. Below is a summary of the major breed-specific concerns, how they are inherited, available testing, and current recommendations. Additional general health considerations are also included.

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💓 Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

HCM is the most common heart disease in cats and leads to thickening of the heart muscle, which can result in heart failure or sudden cardiac death. A well-known mutation linked to the disease in Maine Coons is the MyBPC3-A31P variant.

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Inheritance:
Autosomal dominant. Both heterozygous (N/HCM) and homozygous (HCM/HCM) cats can develop the disease. Homozygous individuals are at higher risk and typically develop symptoms earlier.

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Testing & Screening:

• DNA testing for the MyBPC3-A31P mutation

• Regular echocardiography (heart scans) recommended even for genetically clear cats, as HCM may also occur in the absence of the known mutation.

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Breeding Recommendation:
The current guidance is to exclude carriers of the mutation from breeding, regardless of whether they are paired with a clear cat.

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🦴 Hip Dysplasia (HD)

Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joints, leading to pain, lameness, or early arthritis. It is relatively common in Maine Coons due to their large frame and growth pattern.

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Inheritance:
Polygenic and multifactorial. Genetics, body weight, nutrition, and physical activity all influence expression.

Screening Options:

• PawPeds: European scoring system

• OFA: North American standard, grades hips from Excellent to Severe

• PennHIP: Measures joint laxity (Distraction Index) to predict long-term risk

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Breeding Recommendation:
Avoid breeding cats with moderate or severe dysplasia. Mild cases are evaluated individually in the context of pedigree and overall structure.

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🧬 Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

SMA is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting the spinal cord, causing muscle weakness and coordination issues. Affected cats usually show signs from a few months of age. The condition is not painful and does not shorten lifespan.

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Inheritance:
Autosomal recessive.

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Testing:
A direct DNA test is available and widely used.

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Breeding Recommendation:
Avoid mating two carriers. Carrier × clear matings are generally considered acceptable with full transparency and test-based planning.

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🩸 Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKDef)

PKDef is a hereditary enzyme deficiency that can lead to red blood cell breakdown (hemolytic anemia). Clinical signs vary but may include lethargy and anemia.

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Inheritance:
Autosomal recessive.

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Testing:
DNA test is available and included in many standard breed panels.

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Breeding Recommendation:
Avoid mating two carriers. Carrier × clear matings are permissible with careful tracking and planning.

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🧠 Other Health Considerations

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Gingivitis / Stomatitis 

An immune-mediated inflammation of the gums and oral cavity seen in some lines. Severity varies. Regular dental care and monitoring are important.

Obesity & Joint Health

Maine Coons are large and often slow to mature (up to 4 years). Managing growth, maintaining lean body condition, and supporting joint health early can help prevent secondary problems.

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📚 References

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• Meurs KM, Norgard MM, Ederer MM, Hendrix KP, Kittleson MD, et al. (2005). A cardiac myosin binding protein C mutation in the Maine Coon cat with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Human Molecular Genetics. 14(23):3587-3593.

• Sleeper MM, Stepien RL, MacDonald KA, et al. (2022). Clinical and Genetic Advances in Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Journal of Veterinary Cardiology.

• Smith GK, Johnson KA, Wilson MR. (2021). Advances in Feline Hip Dysplasia and Joint Health. Veterinary Journal.

• PawPeds Health Programmes (HCM, HD, Genetic diseases). https://www.pawpeds.com/healthprogrammes/

• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) Hip Dysplasia. https://www.ofa.org/diseases/hip-dysplasia

• University of Pennsylvania PennHIP. https://www.vet.upenn.edu/research/centers-laboratories/pennhip

• Guidetti G, Valenza F, Ricci R. (2020). Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency in Domestic Cats: A Review. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.

• Wisdom Panel Cat Health: Spinal Muscular Atrophy. https://www.wisdompanel.com/en-gb/cat-health/spinal-muscular-atrophy

• Langford Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – PKDef. https://www.langfordvets.co.uk/diagnostic-laboratories/genetic-testing/pkdef/

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