Disorder - Achondroplasia

Organ Systems Involved
Musculoskeletal

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Hypochondroplasia, Osteochondrodysplasias, Chondrodysplasia punctata, Dyschondrosteosis, acrodysplasia type V, trichorhinophalangeal dysplasia, Giedion-Langer syndrome

Alternative Names
Chondrodystrophia foetalis hyperplastica, true dwarfism, genetic dwarfism, chondrodysplasia

Presenting Signs

Achondroplasia is the improper development of cartilage at the ends of the long bones, resulting in a type of dwarfism. Normally it affects just the limb bones, and the trunk remains the normal length. Cats may present with short legs which are bowed or twisted. The front legs are normally more affected than the hind legs. Often these cats have a larger than normal head with an undershot jaw and a ‘pushed-in’ bridge of the nose. This often results in crowded and crooked teeth. It is common that the mother cats will have trouble giving birth to these kittens due to their oversized heads. The spine may also be affected as adjacent vertebral bones may be fused.

Cats at Risk

Brachycephalic breeds

Treatment

No treatment is documented

PubMed References
Achondroplasia

Contributor
Shae Sullivan