special needs Cameo needs a home( so cute)

[critters]

I did a Google search on the Manx syndrome to see what problems might arise later and it doesn't look good at all.

Diapers, expressing, stool softeners, etc. can help with many of the manifestations of Manx Syndrome, but this baby seems to have a mild case at the moment. This baby probably only needs to be watched for Megacolon and just allowed to be a baby.

[Catty1]

From two different sites; the first link is from a Manx breeder with 25 yrs experience; the second is excerpted from Wikipedia.

Hugs to that baby! He is CUTE!
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http://www.manxcats.com/myths.htm

Manx Syndrome

Manx Syndrome is a colloquial name given to the condition which results when the mutant tailless gene responsible for shortening the cats' spine has an excessive negative effect. It can seriously damage the spinal cord and the nerves. The cat can have problems with spina bifida, bowels, bladder, and digestion as a result. Actual occurrences of this are rare in modern examples of the breed due to informed breeding practices. [1] Most pedigreed cats are not placed until four months of age to make sure that proper socialisation has occurred. This gives adequate time for any mutant gene-related health issues to be seen, as they turn up early in the cat's life.

According to Robinson's Genetics for Cat Breeders and Veterinarians, both the Manx tailless gene and the Scottish Fold fold-eared gene are potential lethal genes in utero if extreme tailless to tailless are mated or if extreme fold-eared to fold-eared are mated. Problems are most likely to occur when two completely tailless Manx are bred together. For this reason, responsible breeders generally breed a 'stumpy' or fully-tailed Manx with a 'rumpy' or 'rumpy riser' to minimise the chances of serious defects. This breeding practice is responsible for the decreasing occurrence of spinal problems in recent years.

[doolittleky]

Thanks for the info. I amgoing to ask my vet about it toonext time Iam at the vet.
Melissa

[Lizzie]

It was the possibility of digestive problems that concerned me because it made me think of pain. The other problems, with incontinence, can be worked on and lived with - as I do with my elderly Ginger and my CH kitten (MUST think of names this weekend), but that part made me wonder if their life would be worth living. The most utterly miserable cats I've seen are those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and those with liver disorders that have made them nauseous. The face that she is with a rescue organization and not at a county shelter made me feel a lot more hopeful for her future - but am I making assumptions here?

[doolittleky]

Lizzie, if you are not sure about it being a kill shelter or not email them and ask them. If it is we willl just have to start working on finding Cameo a home.
Melissa

[Lizzie]

Okay, I wrote and asked. You will have me living on oatmeal and onions if you keep posting about these special needs cats - just kidding, I'm glad you do it and I know you and Queen S. have taken in plenty.

[doolittleky]

Oatmeal and onions are more than what is in my frig! LOL I was supposed to have banned myself from looking on petfinder for my own good, but I do slip at times or when I get those emails from the yahoo groups I belong to. It is really painful for me to look on Petfinder since I know alot of them will be killed becasue there just aren't enough homes for all the babies that need them. Sometimes it gets me so depressed that I have to stop for my own sanity. Special needs babies have always been closest to my heart since that is usually what I have the most of. I do hope by me posting these babies that it does somehow help them find their own special person to love them forever. My problem like it seems to be with you is that i fall for them all.
melissa