Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Genetic Mutation
Testing Service for Cats
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most
common form of heart disease in the cat. In many breeds it
is an inherited disease. Our laboratory has identified two
mutations responsible for the gene in some cats. One genetic
mutation is found predominantly in Maine Coon cats and the
second genetic mutation is found predominantly in Ragdoll
cats.
It should be noted that in human beings with the same
disease, there are many different genetic mutations which
can cause this disease. It is likely the same in the cat but
additional mutations have not yet been defined. |
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Very importantly, the absence of the mutation in a cat DOES NOT mean
that it will never develop the disease. It means that it does not have
the only known mutation that can cause the disease in the cat at this
time. In the future, additional mutations may be identified that may be
tested for as well.Our laboratory offers two different genetic tests.
One test is for the mutation predominantly found in Maine Coons. The
other test is for the mutation predominantly found in Ragdolls. Please
be certain to mark the submission form to designate which test you
choose.
Test
your cat
Frequently Asked Question for the test predominantly for Maine
Coons
Frequently Asked Question for the test
predominantly for Ragdolls
For either test chosen, you will be provided with one of the
following test results:
- Your cat is negative: this means your cat does not have the
mutation. Your cat may still develop heart disease within its lifetime
but it does not have the known hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mutation that
it was tested for.
- Your cat is positive for the HCM mutation: this means that your cat
has the mutation for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy that it was tested for.
It is likely to develop the disease within its lifetime.
The positive results will also be defined as:
Heterozygote:Heterozygotes have 1 copy of the mutated gene
and 1 copy of a normal gene
Homozygote: Homozygotes have 2 copies of the mutated gene
and may have a greater likelihood of showing severe signs
