Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Spinal muscular atrophy is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder that has been identified in Maine coon cats, and is similar to human spinal muscular atrophy. How is Spinal muscular atrophy inherited? This is an autosomal recessive condition, meaning two copies of the mutation are required for the cats to lose their vision. Dam and sire must both be carriers to produce affected offspring. Carriers have one copy of the mutation. Carriers are not affected.
SMA Symptoms
Fine muscle tremors and fascilculations
Progressive muscular weakness and instability
Abnormal posture
SMA Genetic Testing
SMA in Maine Coon cats is caused by a large deletion of chromosome 1.
| Test Result | Spinal Muscular Atrophy Status |
|---|---|
| N/N | No copies of SMA are present. |
| N/S | 1 copy of SMA is present. Cat is normal but is a carrier. Breeding between carriers will be expected to produce 25% affected, 50% carriers and 25% normal kittens. |
| S/S | 2 copies of SMA are present, cat is affected. |