Abyssinian

Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKD) is an inherited condition that is a defect in the gene that codes for the enzyme pyruvate kinase which plays a vital role in the metabolic process. This restricts the cat’s red blood cells from releasing energy and the cells die prematurely, reducing the number of circulating red blood cells which results in anaemia and a reduced ability to carry oxygen to tissues and organs in the body.

The most common symptoms of PKD are lethargy, diarrhoea, pale mucous membranes, lack of appetite, weight loss and jaundice.

Unfortunately, there is no curative treatment for the condition but blood transfusions may be required in an emergency. Surgery to remove the spleen could also be considered but that procedure does carry the risk of death.

Affected cats can show signs of PKD as early as one month old and usually before 3 years of age, but the severity of clinical signs will vary from case to case.

Although it is a relatively rare disease, it is more common in the Abyssinian breed and can be found in both male and female cats. It is an inherited condition which means affected cats should not be bred.

Patellar Luxation is a relatively common problem that occurs when the patella is not properly lined up. This causes the Femur (thigh bone), Patella (kneecap), and Tibia (calf) to slip out of place. When this happens, the dog will generally skip or hop.

There are four grades, ranging from I, an occasional luxation causing temporary lameness in the joint, to grade IV, in which the turning of the tibia is severe, and patella cannot be realigned manually.

The constant rubbing caused by this issue can lead to arthritis, a degenerative joint disease and severe levels of Patella Luxation may require surgery to avoid further issues and pain.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a family of eye diseases that causes the gradual deterioration of the retina.

Affected cats become night-blind early in the disease with the loss of sight during the day occurring as the disease progresses.

Unfortunately, there is no treatment, but it’s known that the condition doesn’t cause any pain or discomfort.

Most cats will adapt well to their limited or lost vision, so long as their surroundings and environment stay the same.

Amyloidosis is a rare condition that occurs when a substance of abnormally folded proteins called amyloids are deposited in various organs and cause damage by displacing normal cells.

Primarily the condition affects the kidneys, but it can also be present in other organs including the spleen, intestines, stomach and heart.

The main symptoms can be linked to kidney failure which include lethargy, dehydration, gingivitis, lack of appetite and weight loss. Kidney failure occurs because the kidneys become enlarged and inflamed as normal tissue is displaced by the amyloids and so they can no longer filter toxic waste from the body or reabsorb valuable amino acids and proteins.

The condition is rarely reported but it is more commonly found in Abyssinian cats than in any other cat breed. If you’re considering buying an Abyssinian, you must check that the cat’s family has no history of amyloidosis as it can be inherited.

Amyloidosis is generally developed between the ages of one and five with progression varying in each case from slow to rapid.