Disorder - Osteochondrodysplasia

Organ Systems Involved
Musculoskeletal

Alternative Names
Scottish Fold osteochondrodysplasia

Presenting Signs

Osteochondrodysplasia in Scottish Fold cats is a disorder that causes deformities of the skeletal system. Defective formation of the cartilage, such as forward folded ears, and poor bone growth, are typical of the disease. It is passed on as a dominant genetic trait. This means if one parent provides genes for straight ears but the other parent has genes for folded ears, the kittens will be folds. While kittens with only one fold parent have a milder form of the condition; kittens with two fold parents are severely affected. Changes can be clearly seen on X-rays from seven weeks of age in kittens with two fold parents. Clinical signs become evident between six months and six years of age.

All cats with Scottish Fold genetics will eventually suffer serious joint disease. Abnormalities include short, thickened, inflexible tails and shortened feet. Cats with osteochondrodysplasia are often lame, reluctant to jump and walk with a stiff, awkward gait. These problems are caused by arthritis that progresses as a result of their developmental abnormalities.

Diagnosis can be made based on breed, history, symptoms and X-rays. These changes are more obvious in the hind limbs.

Cats at Risk

Any kitten with one or both Scottish Fold parents.

Breeds Affected
Scottish Fold (SH & LH)


Treatment

Surgical and medical. There is no curative treatment; instead therapy is aimed at alleviating pain and discomfort associated with the condition. In severe cases surgery or radiotherapy can be attempted. Surgery has been successful in a small number of cases. Radiotherapy of the affected limbs has also been successfully reported in a patient.

PubMed References
Osteochondrodysplasia

Contributor
Jana Leshinsky