Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Genetic Mutation Testing Service for Cats
Now Available:
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common form of heart disease in the cat. In many breeds it is an inherited disease. Our laboratory has identified two mutations responsible for the gene in some cats. One genetic mutation is found predominantly in Maine Coon cats and the second genetic mutation is found predominantly in Ragdoll cats.
It should be noted that in human beings with the same disease, there are many different genetic mutations which can cause this disease. It is likely the same in the cat but additional mutations have not yet been defined.
Very importantly, the absence of the mutation in a cat DOES NOT mean that it will never develop the disease. It means that it does not have the only known mutation that can cause the disease in the cat at this time. In the future, additional mutations may be identified that may be tested for as well.Our laboratory offers two different genetic tests. One test is for the mutation predominantly found in Maine Coons. The other test is for the mutation predominantly found in Ragdolls. Please be certain to mark the submission form to designate which test you choose.
- Frequently Asked Question for the test predominantly for Maine Coons
- Frequently Asked Question for the test predominantly for Ragdolls
For either test chosen, you will be provided with one of the following test results:
- Your cat is negative: this means your cat does not have the mutation. Your cat may still develop heart disease within its lifetime but it does not have the known hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mutation that it was tested for.
- Your cat is positive for the HCM mutation: this means that your cat has the mutation for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy that it was tested for. It is likely to develop the disease within its lifetime.
The positive results will also be defined as:
- Heterozygote:Heterozygotes have 1 copy of the mutated gene and 1 copy of a normal gene
- Homozygote: Homozygotes have 2 copies of the mutated gene and may have a greater likelihood of showing severe signs