Makeitso Abyssinians and Somalis

Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

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DNA Testing
There are many tests available for cats using DNA sampling.  These tests are a huge help to breeders not only on health but also with other issues, such as DNA profiling, parentage verification, coat pattern, coat colour and blood groups.  The test is done by either blood or cheek (buccal) swabs.

Currently there are two DNA tests available for genetic diseases in Abyssinian and Somalis are:-

Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency  (PK-def)

PK-def is a recessive inherited enzyme deficiency that may cause anaemia in some affected cats.  The disease is inherited as an autosomal recessive; two copies of the mutation are present in affected cats. Carriers, cats that have one copy of the mutation, are not affected and will show no signs of this deficiency.

All of our breeding cats have tested normal for PK-def.

PK-def Testing is available in the UK, Bristol.  Samples can also be sent to America, Pengen  or UC Davis (VGL).

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

PRA is an inherited late-onset blindness condition is characterized by progressive degeneration of the photoreceptors (rods and cones) in the retina. A single-nucleotide polymorphism designated "rdAc" in the CEP290 gene produces a defective protein which is associated with progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in these breeds. Cats affected with this form of PRA have normal vision at birth, with degeneration first detected by electroretinographic exam at about seven months. By ages 3-5, affected cats are completely blind. There is no treatment available for the condition. This disease is inherited as an autosomal recessive; two copies of the mutation are present in affected cats. Carriers, cats that have one copy of the mutation, are not affected and have normal vision.

DNA testing is available, samples can be sent to America UC Davis (VGL).

We have tested all our breeding cats for PRA.


*DNA tests for colour or coat length in all cats include:-

  • Agouti (banded hair or solid)
  • Brown (Chocolate and Cinnamon)
  • Colourpoint Restriction (Burmese and Siamese)
  • Dilute
  • Longhair

*DNA tests for genetic diseases in other specific breeds of cats include:-

  • Gangliosidosis GM1 and GM2 in Korat and Siamese
  • Glycogen Storage Disease Typ IV (GSD IV) in Norwegian forest cats
  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in Maine Coon, Maine Coon related cats
  • Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) in Ragdoll cats
  • Feline Polycystic Kidney disease (PKD) in Persians and Persian related cats
**There are several laboratories across the world that offer genetic testing, examples include  UC Davis (VGL),  Cat Genes,  Laboklin

Notes
*  The above lists are not intended to be a complete range of tests and are only examples.
**The laboratories listed are examples, they are not intended to be recommended.

Contact: Yvonne or Peter Barnes
Email 
Telephone:   01462 491618
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