Disorder - Ears, folded

Organ Systems Involved
Musculoskeletal

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Osteochondrodysplasia

Alternative Names
Flattened ears

Presenting Signs

Affected cats have ears folded forward because they have insufficient cartilage to maintain the normal upright shape. Folded ears are not present at birth but develop at three to four weeks of age. Cats with folded ears are also affected by osteochondrodysplasisa; this is a defect of cartilage formation. This not only results in folded ears but also cartilage abnormalities in joints and the rest of the skeleton. This causes abnormalities in bone size and density. The defects in cartilage of the joints can cause arthritis, or inflammation, pain and swelling of joints. These cats may have short, thick, inflexible tails and shortened limbs, and may be lame.

Cats at Risk

Cats bred to Scottish folds or variants. The cartilage defect that causes the ears of these cats to fold is transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait.

Breeds Affected
Scottish Fold (SH & LH)


Treatment

None. Medical treatment is available for treatment of subsequent cartilage disorders and arthritis through the use of pain relief medication and dietary supplementation to slow its progression and reduce discomfort.

PubMed References
Ears, folded

Contributor
Sunishka de Silva