Disorder - Taillessness

Organ Systems Involved
Musculoskeletal

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Spina bifida; Cleft palate; Syringomyelia; Umbilical hernia

Alternative Names
Sacrococcygeal agenesis; Manx syndrome

Presenting Signs

Taillessness refers to the absence of a tail. Taillessness occurs to various degrees producing four types of appearances:
1. ‘Rumpy’ - lack of tailbones
2. ‘Rumpy riser’ - several fused, immobile tailbones
3. ‘Stumpy’ - longer, mobile but abnormally shaped tail
4. ‘Longie’ - near normal but still shortened tail.

The shortened spine in ‘rumpy’ cats results in malformation of the lower spinal cord. A depression can be felt at the end of the spine where the tailbones are absent. Consequently nerve supply to the lower back region of the cat is inadequate. This causes abnormal hindlimb movements when walking (hopping, incoordination, walking on hocks), rectal prolapse, tail paralysis, urinary incontinence and constipation. Other physical abnormalities include twisted pelvis, enlarged head and anal deformities. Generally ‘rumpy riser’, ‘stumpy’ and ‘longie’ cats are less likely to suffer from spinal cord deficits as seen in ‘rumpy’ cats.

Another form of taillessness has been noted in Oriental breeds (Siamese and Burmese); these cats often have shortened, kinked tails. Tailless cats have also been documented in a population in Russia. However, the genetic factors causing taillessness in these cats are considered a separate mutation from the genes responsible for taillessness in Manx cats.

Cats at Risk

Manx syndrome genes are more lethal in male kittens, resulting in death before birth.

Breeds Affected
Burmese
Japanese Bobtail
Manx
Siamese


PubMed References
Taillessness

Contributor
Lai Yee Foong