Breeder Members make a commitment upon joining UMCFA to undertake a Breed Health program in their cattery.
The following health tests on breeding cats are required by UMCFA and should be performed prior to the commencement of a cat's breeding career.
The following health tests on breeding cats are required by UMCFA and should be performed prior to the commencement of a cat's breeding career.
- DNA Disease Panel for heritable diseases including Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), Polysystic Kidney Disease (PKD), Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKDef) and Feline Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
- Heart Ultrasound/Echocardiograph performed by a veterinarian experienced in reading these specialised tests.
- Hip x-ray of breeding cats with submission of xrays to the Pawpeds Maine Coon Hip Dysplasia program for assessment.
UMCFA requires its Breeder Members to submit copies of their cats test results to our Testing Recorder to be placed on our Breed Health Program database.
This data allows us to begin to develop an overall health picture for the Maine Coon in Australia enabling us to make better breeding decisions.
UMCFA issues a Certificate of Health Testing for each cat owned by its Breeder Members that lists the tests each cat has had. The certificate is updated as tests are added or repeated for tests that performed regularly.
This data allows us to begin to develop an overall health picture for the Maine Coon in Australia enabling us to make better breeding decisions.
UMCFA issues a Certificate of Health Testing for each cat owned by its Breeder Members that lists the tests each cat has had. The certificate is updated as tests are added or repeated for tests that performed regularly.
Protecting the privacy of our Breeder Members details and the health data of their cats is of utmost importance to us.
Please see our Privacy Policy listed HERE.
Please see our Privacy Policy listed HERE.
Rumplteeza kittens - Photo by Linda Bieniasz of Mandalay Photography
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
HCM is the most prevalent of heart diseases in domestic cats, accounting for 60% of all heart disease diagnosed.
The thick, inflexible heart muscle in the left ventricular wall of the heart that characterises HCM leads to problems with the filling of the heart. The muscle is strong but is so thick that the normal blood volume the heart should be pumping cannot fit into the smaller chambers. This means less blood is ejected from the heart for each pump and the heart must pump faster to get the same amount of blood out. Heart failure results when blood returning to the heart cannot be accepted by the small chambers. Blood volume backs up leading to pulmonary oedema (fluid in the lung), pleural effusion (fluid in the chest but outside the lung), or abdominal effusion (fluid in the belly).
The thick, inflexible heart muscle in the left ventricular wall of the heart that characterises HCM leads to problems with the filling of the heart. The muscle is strong but is so thick that the normal blood volume the heart should be pumping cannot fit into the smaller chambers. This means less blood is ejected from the heart for each pump and the heart must pump faster to get the same amount of blood out. Heart failure results when blood returning to the heart cannot be accepted by the small chambers. Blood volume backs up leading to pulmonary oedema (fluid in the lung), pleural effusion (fluid in the chest but outside the lung), or abdominal effusion (fluid in the belly).
HCM is a heart disease which in a mild case can take the form of a heart murmur, shortness of breath or general malaise. Symptoms however worsen over time, even with treatment, and invariably it leads to a untimely death. HCM is a dominant genetic trait which means that if one parent carries the disease, there is a fifty percent chance that any offspring could be effected. Scientists have discovered a mutation in one gene, named MyBPC3 in the Maine Coon cat and another mutation in the Ragdoll cat that breeders can now DNA test for. All UMCFA breeders DNA test for the MyBPC3 HCM gene associated with the Maine Coon cat.
Theoretically, it should be possible to completely eradicate the disease. This is not straight forward as even though parents are DNA screened, evidence shows that there are other causative, yet to be discovered genes for HCM. There are sadly several confirmed cases of DNA negative cats that have succumbed to the disease.
Because of this, UMCFA encourages it breeders, where location allows, to also conduct cardiac ultrasound screening of their breeding cats by a specialist using colour doppler echocardiographic equipment to view the heart and the passage of blood through the heart.
References:
College of Veterinary Medicine (2014). Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. [online] Cornell University. Available at: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy [Accessed 26 Oct. 2020].
Kittleson, M. (2011). Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Advice for Breeders. [online] Winn Feline Foundation. Available at: http://www.Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Advice for Breeders [Accessed 26 Oct. 2020].
Theoretically, it should be possible to completely eradicate the disease. This is not straight forward as even though parents are DNA screened, evidence shows that there are other causative, yet to be discovered genes for HCM. There are sadly several confirmed cases of DNA negative cats that have succumbed to the disease.
Because of this, UMCFA encourages it breeders, where location allows, to also conduct cardiac ultrasound screening of their breeding cats by a specialist using colour doppler echocardiographic equipment to view the heart and the passage of blood through the heart.
References:
College of Veterinary Medicine (2014). Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. [online] Cornell University. Available at: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy [Accessed 26 Oct. 2020].
Kittleson, M. (2011). Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Advice for Breeders. [online] Winn Feline Foundation. Available at: http://www.Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Advice for Breeders [Accessed 26 Oct. 2020].
Feline Hip Dysplasia (HD)
Feline Hip Dysplasia (FHD) is an orthopaedic condition of the hip joint that can affect cats. Large bodied cats are affected at a higher percentage than smaller cats. FHD is the result of abnormal development of one or both hip joints and causes instability and degeneration of the joints.
X-ray of a cat with normal hips and a cat with severe hip dysplasia. Credit: SLU
UMCFA Breeder Members are committed to a screening and hip scoring program, working towards producing cats with excellent hips in their breeding program.
As more breeders take part in this program, we will see a true breed average for the Maine Coon cat and can take active steps to lower the hip score average for the breed. The Australian Maine Coon FHD Program divides the hip joint into 9 separate parts. A score is provided between 0 (normal) up to 6 (maximum) for each parameter for each hip joint (Fitzsimmons, 2019). These numbers are then added to provide a score for each hip, and a Total Hip Score by adding these together. These numbers provide an indication as to each individual cat’s type of deformity, allowing assessment of unilateral hip dysplasia. Over time, a breed average will be generated and monitored. This, in turn, allows a better assessment of any progress in improving the problem within the Australian Maine Coon population specifically.
The Australian Grade is applied over the scores and is based on a similar assessment to the PawPeds and Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) as well as integrating the Australian FHD scores into determining the Grades. In addition, the Australian Maine Coon FHD program tries to provide a cross reference as to where this may relate to the PawPeds and OFA Grades. The PawPeds system cannot be directly linked to the Australian Maine Coon FHD Grade/scoring system used, but a rough equivalent in general terms, accepting that they do not align exactly as they are graded based on different emphasizes.
The Australian Maine Coon FHD program, based on the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA)/ Australian National Kennel Club (ANKC) system, is more informative than the PawPeds system and the OFA system, as the Australian scores are based on 9 specific characteristics that are each scored from 0-6 for each criterion for each hip, and the Australian Grade is assessed based on what these scores are and where they are arranged.
As more breeders take part in this program, we will see a true breed average for the Maine Coon cat and can take active steps to lower the hip score average for the breed. The Australian Maine Coon FHD Program divides the hip joint into 9 separate parts. A score is provided between 0 (normal) up to 6 (maximum) for each parameter for each hip joint (Fitzsimmons, 2019). These numbers are then added to provide a score for each hip, and a Total Hip Score by adding these together. These numbers provide an indication as to each individual cat’s type of deformity, allowing assessment of unilateral hip dysplasia. Over time, a breed average will be generated and monitored. This, in turn, allows a better assessment of any progress in improving the problem within the Australian Maine Coon population specifically.
The Australian Grade is applied over the scores and is based on a similar assessment to the PawPeds and Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) as well as integrating the Australian FHD scores into determining the Grades. In addition, the Australian Maine Coon FHD program tries to provide a cross reference as to where this may relate to the PawPeds and OFA Grades. The PawPeds system cannot be directly linked to the Australian Maine Coon FHD Grade/scoring system used, but a rough equivalent in general terms, accepting that they do not align exactly as they are graded based on different emphasizes.
The Australian Maine Coon FHD program, based on the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA)/ Australian National Kennel Club (ANKC) system, is more informative than the PawPeds system and the OFA system, as the Australian scores are based on 9 specific characteristics that are each scored from 0-6 for each criterion for each hip, and the Australian Grade is assessed based on what these scores are and where they are arranged.
The genetic inheritance of this disease is not as straightforward as HCM, and sometimes, for all the care that is taken in choosing parents, it can show up in a kitten bred from two parents with apparently perfect hips.Removal of cats with severe Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) from our breeding programs and the use of common sense and good breeding practice is currently the only method available to the breeder to try to reduce the incidence of FHD in Maine Coon cats.
It is important to note that there is also an environmental element for Feline Hip Dysplasia. The Maine Coon is the world's largest domestic cat and with that comes more expectations from the cat's joint structures. Owners are advised to be vigilant in maintaining a healthy weight for their Maine Coon and to not encourage their Maine Coon cat to jump from heights.
References:
Australian National Kennel Club. (2015). CHEDS (Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Scheme). Australian National Kennel Club. [online] Available at: https://ankc.org.au/HealthAndWelfare/?id=2516
College of Veterinary Medicine. (2016). Hip dysplasia. [online] Available at: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/hip-dysplasia [Accessed 26 Oct. 2020].
Fitzsimmons, L. (2019). Understanding Hip Scores. Veterinary Imaging Associates [online] Available at: http://www.online-vets.com/hipscore_1.html
Flückiger, M. (2007). Scoring radiographs for canine Hip Dysplasia - The big three organisations in the world. undefined. [online] Available at: www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Scoring-radiographs-for-canine-Hip-Dysplasia-The-in-Fl%C3%BCckiger/011ee8376bd28c850cab91c2f1b04caccd345981https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Scoring-radiographs-for-canine-Hip-Dysplasia-The-in-Fl%C3%BCckiger/011ee8376bd28c850cab91c2f1b04caccd345981
Low, M., Eksell, P., Högström, K., Olsson, U., Audell, L. and Ohlsson, Å. (2019). Demography, heritability and genetic correlation of feline hip dysplasia and response to selection in a health screening programme. Scientific Reports, [online] 9(1), p.17164. Available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-53904-w
Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals. (2020). Hip Grade Details | Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals | Columbia, MO. [online] Available at: https://www.ofa.org/diseases/hip-dysplasia/grades
Monash Vet. (2022). Monash Veterinary Clinic | PennHip. [online] Available at: https://www.monashvet.com.au/our-services/pennhip.aspx
Sprenger, D. (2022). Feline Hip Dysplasia. [online] Available at: https://www.pawpeds.com/cms/index.php/en/health-programmes/hd
Richardson, J. (2020). Discussion on the Australian Maine Coon Feline Hip Dysplasia scheme and comparisons with PawPeds and OFA. [emails].
It is important to note that there is also an environmental element for Feline Hip Dysplasia. The Maine Coon is the world's largest domestic cat and with that comes more expectations from the cat's joint structures. Owners are advised to be vigilant in maintaining a healthy weight for their Maine Coon and to not encourage their Maine Coon cat to jump from heights.
References:
Australian National Kennel Club. (2015). CHEDS (Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Scheme). Australian National Kennel Club. [online] Available at: https://ankc.org.au/HealthAndWelfare/?id=2516
College of Veterinary Medicine. (2016). Hip dysplasia. [online] Available at: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/hip-dysplasia [Accessed 26 Oct. 2020].
Fitzsimmons, L. (2019). Understanding Hip Scores. Veterinary Imaging Associates [online] Available at: http://www.online-vets.com/hipscore_1.html
Flückiger, M. (2007). Scoring radiographs for canine Hip Dysplasia - The big three organisations in the world. undefined. [online] Available at: www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Scoring-radiographs-for-canine-Hip-Dysplasia-The-in-Fl%C3%BCckiger/011ee8376bd28c850cab91c2f1b04caccd345981https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Scoring-radiographs-for-canine-Hip-Dysplasia-The-in-Fl%C3%BCckiger/011ee8376bd28c850cab91c2f1b04caccd345981
Low, M., Eksell, P., Högström, K., Olsson, U., Audell, L. and Ohlsson, Å. (2019). Demography, heritability and genetic correlation of feline hip dysplasia and response to selection in a health screening programme. Scientific Reports, [online] 9(1), p.17164. Available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-53904-w
Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals. (2020). Hip Grade Details | Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals | Columbia, MO. [online] Available at: https://www.ofa.org/diseases/hip-dysplasia/grades
Monash Vet. (2022). Monash Veterinary Clinic | PennHip. [online] Available at: https://www.monashvet.com.au/our-services/pennhip.aspx
Sprenger, D. (2022). Feline Hip Dysplasia. [online] Available at: https://www.pawpeds.com/cms/index.php/en/health-programmes/hd
Richardson, J. (2020). Discussion on the Australian Maine Coon Feline Hip Dysplasia scheme and comparisons with PawPeds and OFA. [emails].
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
Polycystic kidney disease or PKD is an inherited condition in cats that causes multiple cysts (pockets of fluid) to form in the kidneys. These cysts are present from birth. Initially they are very small but they grow larger over time and may eventually disrupt kidney function resulting in kidney failure.
PKD is a disease most prevalent in the Persian breed. The Maine Coon as a breed has had very few reported incidences of PKD. Early on in the history of the breed in Australia, there were a few cases in cats that had been imported from Europe but thankfully they were not in breeding programs.
PKD is tested for via a DNA Disease Panel.
Reference:
Gendron, K. et al (2013). Maine Coon renal screening: ultrasonographical characterisation and preliminary genetic analysis for common genes in cats with renal cysts. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, [online] 15(12). Available at: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1098612X13492164 [Accessed 26 Oct. 2020]
Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKDef)
Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency is an hereditary disorder that affects red blood cells, which carry
oxygen to the body’s tissues. PK Deficiency is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. A
normal cat (N/N) and a carrier cat (N/K) do not contract the disease. A carrier cat can pass
the disease onto some of its offspring and an affected cat (K/K) will pass the disease onto all
offspring.
The main consequence of PK Deficiency is the development of anaemia. The anaemia is
usually only intermittently detectable, since the body quickly produces new red blood cells.
Although anaemia itself often results in only vague signs of lethargy and lack of appetite, a
rapid severe life-threatening anaemia can also develop. The age of onset varies from one
individual to another.
It is important to perform the gene test so that selective breeding can be carried out to
reduce the number of carriers.
PKDef is tested for via a DNA disease Panel.
Reference:
Gendron, K. et al (2013). Maine Coon renal screening: ultrasonographical characterisation and preliminary genetic analysis for common genes in cats with renal cysts. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, [online] 15(12). Available at: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1098612X13492164 [Accessed 26 Oct. 2020].
oxygen to the body’s tissues. PK Deficiency is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. A
normal cat (N/N) and a carrier cat (N/K) do not contract the disease. A carrier cat can pass
the disease onto some of its offspring and an affected cat (K/K) will pass the disease onto all
offspring.
The main consequence of PK Deficiency is the development of anaemia. The anaemia is
usually only intermittently detectable, since the body quickly produces new red blood cells.
Although anaemia itself often results in only vague signs of lethargy and lack of appetite, a
rapid severe life-threatening anaemia can also develop. The age of onset varies from one
individual to another.
It is important to perform the gene test so that selective breeding can be carried out to
reduce the number of carriers.
PKDef is tested for via a DNA disease Panel.
Reference:
Gendron, K. et al (2013). Maine Coon renal screening: ultrasonographical characterisation and preliminary genetic analysis for common genes in cats with renal cysts. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, [online] 15(12). Available at: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1098612X13492164 [Accessed 26 Oct. 2020].
Feline Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
SMA is a disorder caused by the death of spinal cord neurons that activate skeletal muscles of the trunk and and limbs. This leads to muscle weakness in the first few months of life and atrophy that becomes apparent at 3-4 months of age. Kittens which are affected develop an odd gait with a sway of the hindquarters and stand with the hocks nearly touching. By 5-6 months of age they're too weak in the hindquarters to easily jump on furniture and have clumsy landings.
SMA is inherited as an auosomal recessive trait. A normal cat (geotype N/N) does not carry the mutation and will not develop SMA. A cat with one copy of the gene (N/SMA) is called a carrier (heterozygous) and while it will not develop the disorder, it can pass the mutation onto its offspring therefore should only be mated to clear cats. An affected cat will have two gene copies with the mutation (genotype SMA/SMA - homozygous) and they will always pass the mutated gene onto their offspring therefore should not be used in any breeding program.
SMA is tested for via a DNA Disease Panel.
Reference:
Fyfe, J.C. et al (2006). An ~140-kb deletion associated with feline spinal muscular atrophy implies an essential LIX1 function for motor neuron survival. Genome Research, [online] 16(9), pp.1084–1090. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1557767/ [Accessed 26 Oct. 2020]
SMA is inherited as an auosomal recessive trait. A normal cat (geotype N/N) does not carry the mutation and will not develop SMA. A cat with one copy of the gene (N/SMA) is called a carrier (heterozygous) and while it will not develop the disorder, it can pass the mutation onto its offspring therefore should only be mated to clear cats. An affected cat will have two gene copies with the mutation (genotype SMA/SMA - homozygous) and they will always pass the mutated gene onto their offspring therefore should not be used in any breeding program.
SMA is tested for via a DNA Disease Panel.
Reference:
Fyfe, J.C. et al (2006). An ~140-kb deletion associated with feline spinal muscular atrophy implies an essential LIX1 function for motor neuron survival. Genome Research, [online] 16(9), pp.1084–1090. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1557767/ [Accessed 26 Oct. 2020]