Manx syndrome in cats: causes, symptoms, treatment


Manx syndrome in cats is a particular genetic anomaly that affects only some feline breeds: let’s find out what it entails.

Even our four-legged friends can be affected by genetic diseases, hereditary or not. Some of them are strictly related to the cat’s breed : this is the case of Manx syndrome, to which the felines of the homonymous breed are particularly predisposed.


Manx syndrome: the cat without a tail

Manx syndrome is a genetic anomaly that is embodied in the absence of the tail in the cat.

Manx cats (originating from the Isle of Man, from which, in fact, the name derives) are particularly subject to this pathology. Suffice it to think, in fact, that about 30% of the specimens have the anomaly: a decidedly high percentage.

Another breed exposed to the disorder is the Cymric ; it being understood that the genetic anomaly, regardless of the breed to which the affected specimen belongs, is known as Manx syndrome.

Unfortunately, this is not a simple cosmetic defect: the lack of a tail indicates a too short spine.


The effects

The cat’s tail can be thought of as the extension of the backbone; therefore it is essential to ensure the feline balance, a natural gift in which it excels.

Furthermore, a too short spine can cause intestinal dysfunction : the cat with Manx syndrome will be subject to fecal and / or urinary incontinence.

The life expectancy is also decidedly low: the cat without a tail does not usually exceed 4 years. Not infrequently the feline dies suddenly.


How to cure

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Manx syndrome; on the other hand it is a genetic disease, which requires due moral reflections.

Is it worthwhile, purely for aesthetic whim, to buy a Manx breed cat, feeding it on the market, when we know that as many as 30% of the specimens will have a short life, afflicted by various pathological disorders?

It is true that breeders only sell healthy cats, observing, in the first four months of life, the eventual manifestation of the disease; but this does not mean that a third of the specimens born will still encounter the disorder.

Without forgetting that Manx cats are particularly predisposed to the onset of other diseases, such as megacolon, intertrigo and corneal dystrophy. It is therefore good to ask yourself these questions before proceeding with the purchase.


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