[Veterinarian Explains] Common Diseases in Scottish Folds: Osteochondrodysplasia, Polycystic Kidney Disease, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, and More

The Scottish Fold is an extremely popular cat breed, consistently ranking number one among all cat breeds. Scottish Folds are known to be susceptible to joint and bone diseases.

This article will explain the diseases that Scottish Folds are prone to.

The History of the Scottish Fold, Known for its Folded Ears

The Scottish Fold is said to have originated from a single female cat named Susie with folded ears, born in Scotland in the 1960s. Several kittens born to Susie also had folded ears, leading to planned breeding. Subsequently, cross-breeding with British Shorthairs and American Shorthairs was carried out in the United States, and in 1994, it was officially recognized as the "Scottish Fold" breed. It is a relatively new breed in the history of cats.

Susie's folded ears were a result of a genetic mutation, considered a "deformity." The folded ear gene was inherited by her kittens, but some straight-eared cats were also born. It is known that folded-ear Scottish Folds can develop severe joint disorders. In particular, breeding two folded-ear cats together results in kittens with severe joint disorders, so breeding two folded-ear cats is now prohibited. Instead, one parent must always be a straight-eared cat. However, even with this practice, joint disorders are still very common in folded-ear Scottish Folds.

Common Diseases and Causes in Scottish Folds

Common diseases in Scottish Folds include osteochondrodysplasia, polycystic kidney disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and otitis externa. Each of these diseases will be explained.

Osteochondrodysplasia

This is a genetic joint disease characteristic of folded-ear Scottish Folds. Bony growths called osteophytes form on the joints of the forelimbs and hindlimbs, causing severe pain. As a result, symptoms such as inability to jump, reluctance to move, and stiffness at the base of the tail may appear. Diagnosis is made through imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI.

The cause is related to the folded-ear gene, so breeding two folded-ear cats together is currently prohibited. Since it is a genetic disease, prevention is not possible.

There is no effective treatment for osteochondrodysplasia; treatment consists of symptomatic therapy to control pain with analgesics. Radiation therapy is also performed, but anesthesia is always required during treatment, and the treatment cost is very high. Radiation therapy does not guarantee a cure.

While folded-ear Scottish Folds are very cute, it is important to be aware of the possibility of osteochondrodysplasia.

Polycystic Kidney Disease

This is a kidney disorder where multiple cysts, or sacs, form in the kidneys. Polycystic kidney disease is a hereditary condition and is often observed in Scottish Folds. While kidney disease typically develops in older age, cats with polycystic kidney disease may develop it from a young age. Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, dilute urine, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. It may also be discovered incidentally during a health check-up even if there are no symptoms.

As this is also a hereditary disease, there is no preventative method. Always ensure your cat has access to water and avoid feeding them human food or anything that could damage their kidneys. Regular blood tests and ultrasound examinations are also important to assess kidney function.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a heart disease in which the heart muscle thickens, restricting its movement. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is known to occur frequently in American Shorthairs, and due to the history of cross-breeding with Scottish Folds, it is considered a breed prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Because hypertrophic cardiomyopathy impairs heart function, symptoms such as open-mouth breathing, difficulty breathing, pleural effusion, and ascites may appear. The cat may also become easily fatigued and stop playing quickly. Additionally, cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are prone to developing blood clots in their hearts. If a clot lodges in the arteries of the hind limbs, symptoms such as cold limbs, cyanosis, paralysis, and severe pain may occur. Diagnosis is made through X-rays, ultrasound, blood tests, and other examinations.

There is no way to prevent hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. However, it is known that a deficiency of taurine, an essential nutrient for cats, can lead to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Cat food contains sufficient taurine, so it is important to feed your cat commercial cat food.

In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the condition may already be severe by the time symptoms appear. For Scottish Folds, regular check-ups to assess heart health are crucial.

Otitis Externa

Folded-ear Scottish Folds often have poor ventilation in their ears, making them susceptible to otitis externa (ear inflammation). If you notice a lot of earwax in their ears, frequent head shaking, or your cat scratching its ears with its paw, it may be suffering from otitis externa. Treatment for otitis externa requires antibiotic and steroid ear drops. In some cases, a veterinarian may also perform an ear flush.

Otitis externa can be prevented to some extent with daily care. Gently wipe the ears with a damp cotton ball. Never use cotton swabs for ear cleaning, as this can injure the inside of the ear and push earwax deeper. If you're unsure how to clean your cat's ears, it's a good idea to have a veterinarian do it.

Furthermore, some cases of otitis externa are caused by ear mites. Some acaricides can eliminate ear mites, so it's important to have your cat regularly treated by a veterinarian.

Summary

The Scottish Fold is a very cute cat breed with folded ears and a round face. However, it is also a breed prone to joint, kidney, and heart diseases. These diseases are not curable and often require lifelong medication, which can lead to high medical expenses. If you own a Scottish Fold, it's essential to be prepared for these potential health issues.