Animal Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 326-334 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/amb 328 3.3 Role of breed-specific genetic testing Breed-specific genetic testing is essential for managing and reducing the incidence of hereditary diseases in cats. The use of whole genome sequencing (WGS) and other genetic tests allows for the identification of disease-causing variants, enabling breeders to make informed decisions to maintain genetic diversity and avoid inbreeding (Lyons, 2015). For instance, the study on the genetic epidemiology of blood type and disease variants in cats demonstrates how panel testing can help reduce the frequency of disease-associated variants in pedigreed cat populations. Additionally, the investigation into inherited diseases in cats emphasizes the importance of genetic testing as a routine diagnostic tool in feline healthcare, which can significantly improve the management and prevention of hereditary conditions (Gandolfi and Alhaddad, 2015). 4 Consequences of Hereditary Diseases on Cat Health 4.1 Physiological and behavioral impacts Hereditary diseases in cats can have profound physiological and behavioral impacts. For instance, inbreeding, which is often necessary to maintain breed standards, can lead to decreased fertility, smaller litter sizes, increased neonatal illness, and higher neonatal mortality rates (Casal, 2022). Additionally, specific hereditary ocular diseases such as entropion, corneal sequestration, persistent pupillary membrane, cataracts, and retinal dysplasia have been identified in certain breeds, leading to significant visual impairments and discomfort (Bott and Chahory, 2022). These conditions not only affect the physical health of the cats but can also lead to behavioral changes due to pain or discomfort, such as increased irritability or withdrawal. 4.2 Veterinary and long-term care needs Cats with hereditary diseases often require extensive veterinary care and long-term management. For example, the management of reproductive health in catteries necessitates close collaboration between veterinarians and breeders to address issues such as sanitation, hygiene, and infectious disease control, which are critical for maintaining the health of breeding cats (Goericke-Pesch and Packeiser, 2022). Moreover, cats with hereditary ocular diseases may need regular veterinary check-ups, surgical interventions, and ongoing treatments to manage their conditions (Wang and Lin, 2024). The need for specialized care and monitoring can place a significant burden on veterinary resources and require breeders to maintain detailed health records and breeding outcomes. 4.3 Implications for cat owners and breeders The presence of hereditary diseases in cats has significant implications for both cat owners and breeders. Owners of cats with hereditary conditions may face increased veterinary costs and the emotional burden of managing a pet with chronic health issues. For breeders, the challenge lies in making informed breeding choices to minimize the incidence of hereditary diseases (Matsumoto et al., 2020). Utilizing DNA panels to estimate the coefficient of inbreeding and maintaining comprehensive breeding records are essential practices to mitigate these risks. Additionally, the longevity and mortality data indicate that crossbred cats tend to live longer than purebred cats, suggesting that breeding practices that promote genetic diversity could enhance the overall health and lifespan of cats (O'Neill et al., 2015). This information underscores the importance of responsible breeding practices and the need for ongoing education and collaboration between breeders and veterinarians to improve the health outcomes of feline populations. 5 Case Study 5.1 Background of selected cat breeds and health outcomes The study of hereditary diseases in cats has revealed significant insights into the prevalence and impact of genetic disorders across various breeds. For instance, a retrospective study in France identified that 11.1% of cats presented with presumed hereditary or breed-related ocular diseases, with conditions such as entropion, corneal sequestration, persistent pupillary membrane, cataract, and retinal dysplasia being the most common (Figure 1) (Bott and Chahory, 2022). Additionally, the Burmese breed has been noted for its unusually high incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D), particularly in Australian-bred Burmese (ABB) cats, which exhibit a four-fold increase in T2D incidence compared to their American counterparts (Samaha et al., 2019; Balmer et al., 2020). These findings underscore the importance of understanding breed-specific health outcomes to inform breeding practices and improve feline health management.
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