The Manx Cat
and implications of a short tail mutation
Description
- Domestic felines are born with a naturally occurring genetic mutation that causes a shortening of the spine, resulting in the cats having a stub or being tail-less
- The gene that causes this mutation is dominant and is called mutant gene M
- Tail length and number of vertebrae varies with each cat as a result of the disease
- The abnormalities in the spine can lead to neurological disease over time
History
- One of the oldest known breeds of domestic cat
- Descended from African Wildcat (F.Silvestris lybica)
- Breed originated in the Isle of Man, within the British Isles, where the mutation arose
- Became prominent due to limited genetic diversity
The International Cat Association describes the Manx as a “bowling ball” shaped cat
Symptoms
- The cat is born with little or no tail
- Abnormally long hind legs
- Broad/solid stature
- Often it's appearance and gait is compared to that of a rabbit
Health Problems
- Spina bifida can occur as a spinal defect “Manx Syndrome”
- Other issues with the vertebrae, such as fused, missing, deformed, and poorly developed spinal bones
- Bowel/bladder problems from spina bifida (constipation and fetal incontinence from shape of spine)
Possible paralysis from shape of
Vertebrae
Meningeal dysplasia (abnormal formation of the meninges, a.k.a the tissue wrapping the spinal cord)
Spinal cord dysplasia (malformation of the spinal cord)
Neurological and motor issues
Manx kitten with a neurological disorder
Heredity
● Manx results from breeding a manx cat with another manx, transmitted by autosomal dominant gene M
● If cats are MM gene homozygous in utero, this is lethal and results in miscarriage
● Tailless cats can only carry one copy of the gene, otherwise it’s fatal
● Gene M is considered a lethal gene by most researchers
Genotypes and Phenotypes
●Cats must be Heterozygous for dominant allele for the trait to occur
●95% of manx cats with short-tail phenotypes were heterozygous for M-mutations, meaning they have a copy of the M gene
●Tailed individuals produced by Manx cats are mm homozygous and not considered Manx cats
●These mutant alleles appeared to be largely lineage specific
Prevention and Treatment
●More than 12 different show associations recognize the Manx breed and have their own standards to breed towards
●There are no current methods of preventing mutant gene M from appearing in felines as it is linked to the phenotype that characterizes the Manx Cat Syndrome
●When breeding a cat who carries the gene, there is always a chance they will pass the disease to their offspring, as 95% of all Manx cats are heterozygous
●Some Manx have better health than others, so those intent on breeding them should focus on breeding the healthiest offspring for the best fate of the breed.
●In the future, if we were able to figure out how environmental factors and the gene’s expression worked, then it may be possible to prevent the disease
Opinion
Discussion point: Do you think that with all the health issues associated with this breed that breeders should continue breeding for them? If yes explain why and If not then what are some methods towards prevention you might suggest.
References
●Deforest, M. E., and P.K.Basrur. “Malfunctions and the Manx Cat Syndrome in Cats.” The Canadian Veterinary Journal (1979):304-14.
●Eddie’s Wheels, 2014, Yes Disabled Cats Use Wheelchairs, http://eddieswheels.com/yes-disabled-cats-do-use-wheelchairs/ (October 14th, 2014)
●Havlicek, Martin, et al. “Surgical Management of Vertebral Malformation in a Manz Cat.” Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 11.6 (2009): 514:7.
●Manx Cat Health, 2014, The Manx Cat, http://cats.lovetoknow.com/Manx_Cat_Health. (October 15th, 2014)
●Meggitt, Jane, 2014. Manx Cat Problems with Incontinence, The Nest Journal. http://pets.thenest.com/manx-cat-problems-incontinence-9517.html (October 14th
●Sexton, Paul. Manx Cat. 121 Vol. The Nielson Company, 2009.
●“Short Tailed Cat Has A Very Big Problem.” Northwest Florida Daily News: D.3. 2014.
●Universities Federation For Animal Welfare, 2011, UFAW, http://www.ufaw.org.uk/manxsyndrome.php#Genetics. (October 14th, 2014)