Table of contents:
- Amyloidosis
- Megaesophagus
- Tumors
- Feline hyperesthesia syndrome
- Convergent strabismus and nystagmus
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Separation Anxiety Syndrome
2023 Author: Alex Livingston | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-26 11:39
As with most pure breeds, the Siamese is subject to the occurrence of some diseases, especially hereditary. Here then what are the more common health problems for this particular breed.
Amyloidosis
Amyloid is a protein that can accidentally cause health problems by accumulating within certain organs. It is the same that causes Alzheimer's disease by accumulating in the human brain. In cats, on the other hand, it tends to prefer the abdominal organs, above all kidneys, liver and pancreas. This high amount of protein clogs the organs and causes them to fail.
A urine or blood test can reveal signs of malfunction of these organs, but a biopsy is the only test that can diagnose this disorder with certainty. Does not exist no effective treatment against amyloidosis, but a healthy diet and adequate drug therapy can preserve the functioning of the affected organs that are not yet compromised.
Megaesophagus
The esophagus is the tract in which food passes from the mouth to the stomach through a series of contractions following swallowing. If the Esophagus stops contracting properly to push down food, however, it can begin to expand; consequently the food will remain in it instead of reaching the stomach. Siamese with megaesophagus syndrome may vomit bits of undigested food with a distinct tubular shape.
An X-ray examination can help the vet determine if this is the problem. Using a correct posture for nutrition, a series of dietary changes and sometimes some medications will help the animal to eradicate the problem. Unfortunately, many cats with this disease also tend to inhale bits of food due to the proximity of the esophagus and trachea, and as a result develop severe forms of pneumonia. It is therefore very important to diagnose this disorder early and start treating it right away.
Tumors
The Siamese are more exposed to the onset of some types of cancer than other breeds, and from an early age. One of these is definitely the lymphoma o lymphosarcoma, which causes abnormalities in the formation of lymphocytes; as the latter are present throughout the body, lymphoma can develop anywhere. Fortunately, it is a cancer that can also be cured with chemotherapy, but it must be performed for life and can be a very expensive treatment.
Another common tumor in the Siamese is the thymoma, which is a special type of lymphoma that develops in the chest. Affected cats are generally young (less than 2 years of age) and tend to respond well to chemotherapy; in some cases, total remission can be achieved. Although the ways in which this disease is inherited have not been identified with certainty, it is suspected that some cats may be healthy carriers of the genus responsible for its emergence.
The mast cell tumor it is a particularly aggressive skin tumor, so much so that its removal by surgery is recommended. Unfortunately, these tumors often look similar to other skin lesions, so it's hard to know when to worry. Be sure to get your vet checked for any abnormalities on your Siamese's skin.
Feline hyperesthesia syndrome
If the word "anesthesia" indicates the absence of sensation, "hyperesthesia" indicates its excess. Cats with this syndrome have a high, exaggerated sensitivity to touch and skin and nerve stimulation. Even the slightest touch could trigger a reaction from the animal, which appears uncomfortable and may cry, try to escape or injure itself in an attempt to lick away or tear away the sensation of pain. There are some skin or nervous system diseases that cause similar symptoms, so it is always good to do extensive tests to determine the causes.
Convergent strabismus and nystagmus
The strabismus it is considered a genetic defect in many cat breeds, but in the Siamese it is practically the norm. In some of them you may also notice that the pupils move rapidly from one direction to another: this is a phenomenon called nystagmus. Neurological studies have shown that these cats do not see double despite squinting, since their brains are able to acquire enough information about an image to make it unified in their eyes, just like cats without nystagmus. In any case, these are not dangerous ailments, and do not require any specific treatment.
Progressive retinal atrophy
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a hereditary disorder present in some Siamese, who appear "genetically programmed" to lose their sight over time. This disease can cause varying degrees of blindness, which usually becomes total with no possibility of cure. Since this problem is caused by a recessive gene, some cats can be healthy carriers, and a kitten with healthy parents can still get PRA, first losing the ability to see in the dark (already reduced in Siamese compared to other breeds) and becoming completely blind over the course of 2-4 years. In some specimens it can manifest itself as early as 2-3 weeks of life, leading to blindness within 16 weeks.
Separation Anxiety Syndrome
While many cats love solitude, some Siamese can become attached to their humans in a way excessive and morbid. When this happens they can be so attached that when the person in question is absent, cats get anxious or bored and this causes destructive behavior. Some may even become aggressive when they notice their owner is walking away, even if only for a short time.
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