How is Osteochondrodysplasia treated?
While there is no specific treatment or cure for this disease, intermittent joint pain for advanced degenerative joint disease can be treated with chondroprotective agents such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
When do Scottish folds stop growing?
For Scottish Fold kittens, a kitten diet is required until they are fully grown, which is around the 12 month mark.
Do all Scottish Folds have health problems?
The Scottish Fold is a pretty healthy breed, but there are some hereditary health problems in the breed: Osteochondrodysplasia, a developmental abnormality that affects cartilage and bone development. Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) Cardiomyopathy, a form of heart disease.
How do I know if my Scottish Fold is in pain?
All Scottish Fold cats suffer from variable degrees of painful degenerative joint disease, which can result in fusing of the tail, tarsi (ankles) and stifles (knees). This is apparent clinically as a reluctance to move, and abnormal posture and gait, lameness and short misshapen limbs.
Can osteochondrodysplasia be prevented?
Because the basic genetic defects have been identified in most of the osteochondrodysplasias, genetic counseling can be effective.
What is wrong with Scottish folds?
The Scottish Fold breed of cat has a genetic mutation that affects the development of cartilage. This is known as osteochondrodysplasia – a general term for a disorder of the development of bone and cartilage. These bone and cartilage abnormalities lead to severe and painful arthritis.
Do Scottish folds get sick easily?
The tightly folded ears do not appear to be any more prone to infections than those of cats with upright ears. However, this unique ear shape is caused by an underlying defect in the formation of cartilage, which would normally retain the ears in a normal shape.
