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Scottish Fold Common Illnesses & How to Handle Them

Scottish folds have a nasty reputation when it comes to their predisposition to diseases. When the breed first came to life many diseases were associated with the breed. From all these only two indeed affect Scottish folds.

Genetic Diseases & Osteochondrodysplasia (OCD)

As we have discussed in previous article, Scottish folds have a tendency towards osteochondrodysplasia. This disease is proportional to the expression of the gene mutation that causes the ear folding. Straights that do not have this gene are free from OCD.

As for the rest who do carry the gene, thanks to careful breeding the expression and the prevalence of the gene can be minimized. This is why most folds never show any symptoms or show mild symptoms of OCD.

OCD is not life threatening but can cause severe pain. The disease has a slow progress as the folds grow older is more obvious. In some cases euthanasia is proposed for welfare reasons.

In order to avoid and minimize the symptoms there are a few things you can do. First you should never skip your vet checks. Observe if your cat displays any sides of OCD or pain, these include:

  1. Tail thickening
  2. Bone thickening and deformities
  3. Sensitivity to touch in specific places
  4. Lack of Activity
  5. Strange walking
  6. Lack of coordination and slow movement
  7. Not willing to engage in physical activities and games, especially those that involve jumping.

Another good way is to keep your fold active, so you can always watch out for signs of lameness and inactivity and visit the doctor before your cat experiences severe pain.

X-rays can help validate the existence and the progress of the disease. Since OCD is not fatal and non-curable. Relief medication and supplements such as Glucosamine might be prescribed from your veterinarian.

Good nutrition and weight management can help and should be practised from early age.

Other Diseases & Ear Infections

As for the rest of the diseases the advice goes almost as for any other breed. Do proper vaccination in coordination with your vet and keep your the food of your fold nutritious. Always be aware of allergies due to environment exposures and foods.

Allergies often manifest themselves as skin problems and rarely as respiratory problems. Allergies should be treated in their core and not just with relieving medication, or they will only become worse.

Also have in mind that Scottish folds are susceptible to Polycystic Kidney disease. It is wise the you feed your Scottish fold a proper diet to avoid this.

Ear infections can be a problem in some Scottish folds, not for any other reason but because the structure of the ear itself. The danger is minor but it is wise to check the ears once in a while and clear them if needed.

Treat your fold with care and it will live long and happy. Also remember to share and like the article.

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