Radial agenesis
From Felipedia
Radial hypoplasia (also known as radial agenesis, triphalangeal pollex-radial hypoplasia or foreleg micromelia) is an autosomal dominant congenital disease of cats. In kittens born with radial agenesis, the presenting signs are deformities in length and linearity of the radius and ulna[1].
Although the etiology of radial agenesis is unknown, in utero mineral deficiencies (including copper, manganese, and zinc), trauma to the developing fetal skeleton, in utero drug toxicity, and vaccination are potential causes. Genetics is also a likely cause. A second breeding of the parents of kittens with hemimelia produced another litter with affected kittens. Most kittens have an obvious limb deformity at birth, characterized by shortening and curvature of one or both forelimbs. The kittens are lame and often have reduced range of motion of the elbow and carpal joints. Carpal joint deformities may occur concurrently. No effective treatment has been reported, though some kittens will use the limb to ambulate[2][3].
Clinical signs
Many kittens present with shortened, curved radii and adopt a 'kangaroo' stance, weight bearing significantly on the hindlegs in severe cases. Winterbotham et al (2008) reported a 5-month-old, female, domestic shorthair cat which was born with complete absence of the right radius and radial carpal bone, together with varus deviation of the metacarpus.[4]
Polydactyly commonly occurs with radial agenesis. Kittens often fail to thrive due to difficulty in feeding and often require assisted nursing.
Treatment
Long-term complications are rare, but quality of life must be considered in severe cases of deformity. because of the risk of genetic transmission of this diseaes. In single limb agenesis, amputation is an option[5].
References
- ↑ Messybeast.com
- ↑ Towle, HT., Breur, GJ. (2004) Dysostoses of the canine and feline appendicular skeleton. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 225(11):1685-1692
- ↑ http://www.mansonpublishing.com/sample/scott_feline_sample.pdf
- ↑ Winterbotham, EJ., et al (2008) Radial agenesis in a cat. Journal of Small Animal Practice 26(7):393 - 398
- ↑ Vella, Carolyn M.; Shelton, Lorraine M.; McGonagle, John J.; Stanglein, Terry W. (1999) "Robinson's Genetics for Cat Breeders and Veterinarians, 4th Edition, Butterworth-Heinemann
