Abyssinian cat: the most common diseases

2023 Author: Alex Livingston | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-26 11:39

The Abyssinian cat it has quite mysterious origins, but we tend to think that it originated from a series of crosses between Burmese, Siamese and Russian Blue. This cat is considered healthy and has an excellent life expectancy if it is properly cared for. But here are the most common diseases towards which it is predisposed.

Chronic renal failure

L' Chronic renal failure it is a condition that is hereditary in the Abyssinian and can be passed on to kittens from their parents, but any cat can contract it regardless of age and sex. However, older animals are the ones that develop it more often.

If you plan to take an Abyssinian with you it is important to rely on reputable breeders who carry out their animals screening for a number of hereditary diseases, including chronic renal failure.

THE symptoms of this disorder include:

• Lethargy
• He retched;
• Diarrhea;
• Excessive thirst, tendency to drink from unusual places
• Excessive urination, due to increased water intake;
• Lesions around the mouth and inside it;
• Bad breath;
• High blood pressure.

Atrophy of the retina

L' atrophy of the retina affects the cells of the eye responsible for converting the light received through the eye into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain. These cells are called photoreceptors and there are two types, each with its own function: the distinction of colors and night vision and black and white.

It is this second type of photoreceptor that is hit first, and this prevents the Abyssinian from seeing in poor light; it is an early symptom that indicates that there is a serious problem in progress. Unfortunately there is no effective treatment for this condition, which then causes the blindness of the cat by 3-5 years of age. If the cat has blue eyes it is possible to notice that they turn a rather dull green; this is often the first sign that something is wrong.

Hyperthyroidism

This is another condition that is all too common in Abyssinian cats. It occurs when the thyroid produces a excessive amount of hormones, causing even serious damage to the animal: an excess of hormones causes an imbalance of the metabolism, which forces it to burn too much energy too quickly and consequently the cat is unable to gain weight even by eating a lot.

Fortunately, this disease can be kept under control with therapy right, and the prognosis for the Abyssinian is generally very positive. If treated in time, it can be eradicated, guaranteeing the animal a complete recovery.

For this reason, take a look at the symptoms more frequent:

• Weight loss;
• Increased appetite (polyphagia);
• Restlessness, increased physical activity;
• Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat);
• Obvious worsening of the condition of the coat.

Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency

When an Abyssinian suffers from this disease, his red blood cells are unable to synthesize the enzyme Pyruvate Kinase as they should. This causes anemia and other blood-related problems. Deficiency in this enzyme causes these symptoms:

• Anemia;
• Weakness;
• Loss of muscle mass;
• Gums that are too light
• Tachycardia;
• (In rare cases) jaundice.

It's about a hereditary condition transmitted from parents to puppies, which are born already infected. Unfortunately, the only treatment consists of a bone marrow transplant, which in addition to being very expensive can endanger the life of the animal.