Folded Ears with Osteochondrodysplasia (Feline)

Test Overview:

Mandatory DNA Testing for Fold Mutation All Scottish Fold cats and their breeding partners must undergo DNA testing to determine the presence and number of copies of the fold gene mutation (Fd/fd). Cats with one copy (heterozygous, Fd/fd) have folded ears and may exhibit mild to moderate osteochondrodysplasia symptoms. Cats with two copies (homozygous, Fd/Fd) often develop severe skeletal deformities and painful osteochondrodysplasia, which is unethical to breed for. Avoid Breeding Fold x Fold (Fd/Fd) Mating Breeding two folded-ear cats (both carrying the fold mutation) risks producing homozygous kittens (Fd/Fd) with severe bone disorders. Ethical breeders strictly avoid Fold-to-Fold matings to prevent severe osteochondrodysplasia in offspring. Outcross Folded Ear Cats to Straight-Eared Cats Breeding a heterozygous Fold cat (Fd/fd) with a straight-eared cat confirmed as clear of the fold mutation (fd/fd) produces about 50% folded ear kittens, all heterozygous and at lower risk of severe disease. Straight-eared partners are typically from tested Scottish Straight or British Shorthair lines. Genetic Screening for Other Health Conditions DNA testing should also screen for common inherited disorders like polycystic kidney disease (PKD), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and blood type compatibility to prevent neonatal isoerythrolysis. Veterinary Monitoring and Health Checks Regular veterinary examinations including radiology assist in early detection of osteochondrodysplasia-related bone and joint problems. Breeding cats showing clinical signs of disease should be retired from breeding programs