Squitten

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A cat with the genetic deformity radial hypoplaisia or radial aplaysia while resting, showing twisted forelimbs Squitten2.jpg
A cat with the genetic deformity radial hypoplaisia or radial aplaysia while resting, showing twisted forelimbs

A squitten is a cat with a genetic deformity which causes a partial formation or complete absence of the radius bone making it resemble a squirrel. These cats should be kept indoors and seen to by specialist veterinarians, as long term management of the condition is essential for quality of life in these cats. [1] It is an example of a cat body type genetic mutation. The word is a portmanteau of squirrel and kitten.

Contents

The term kangaroo cat is also, rarely, used; this derives from a 1953 specimen known as the Stalingrad Kangaroo Cat. [2]

Characteristics

A squitten with foreleg micromelia sitting in upright posture, showing short forelimbs Squitten.jpg
A squitten with foreleg micromelia sitting in upright posture, showing short forelimbs

The term squitten is generally used to refer to cats with the condition radial hypoplasia (underdeveloped radius bones) or foreleg micromelia (small forelegs) and related conditions known as radial aplasia (absent radius bones), radial agenesis (failure of radius bones to form) that produces stunted forelegs. The mutation sometimes occurs in the random-breeding population, particularly in inbred populations where recessive genes may be exhibited. Such cats have also been called twisty cats; In the late 1990s, several were deliberately bred at Karma Farms, a horse farm and cattery in Marshall, Texas, [3] [4] resulting in a public outcry against the operators of the farm.

Radial hypoplasia is related to one form of polydactyly, sometimes called patty feet or hamburger feet by cat lovers to distinguish them from thumb cat polydactyls. Ordinary mitten cat polydactyls are not affected. [5] [6]

Cats with radial hypoplasia or similar mutations often sit on their rump with their forelegs unable to touch the floor; this gives them a resemblance to a squirrel or kangaroo. This raises special care considerations for owners of affected cats. Kittens may be unable to knead effectively with their short forelegs; kneading is required to stimulate milk flow in the mother. The short or twisted forelegs cause mobility problems and such cats may adapt by using their hindlegs in a hopping gait.

A corresponding condition affecting the hind legs is called femoral hypoplasia and has only been reported three times in cats. [7]

Typical characteristics of a squitten are short forelegs, with a short radius and ulna which may be twisted or absent, extra front toes, and normal-length hind legs.

See also

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Cleidocranial dysostosis Medical condition

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Duane-radial ray syndrome Medical condition

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Thumb hypoplasia is a spectrum of congenital abnormalities of the thumb varying from small defects to complete absence of the thumb. It can be isolated, when only the thumb is affected, and in 60% of the cases it is associated with radial dysplasia. Radial dysplasia is the condition in which the forearm bone and the soft tissues on the thumb side are underdeveloped or absent.

Leydig cell hypoplasia Medical condition

Leydig cell hypoplasia (LCH), also known as Leydig cell agenesis, is a rare autosomal recessive genetic and endocrine syndrome affecting an estimated 1 in 1,000,000 genetic males. It is characterized by an inability of the body to respond to luteinizing hormone (LH), a gonadotropin which is normally responsible for signaling Leydig cells of the testicles to produce testosterone and other androgen sex hormones. The condition manifests itself as pseudohermaphroditism, hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, reduced or absent puberty, and infertility.

Radial dysplasia Medical condition

Radial dysplasia, also known as radial club hand or radial longitudinal deficiency, is a congenital difference occurring in a longitudinal direction resulting in radial deviation of the wrist and shortening of the forearm. It can occur in different ways, from a minor anomaly to complete absence of the radius, radial side of the carpal bones and thumb. Hypoplasia of the distal humerus may be present as well and can lead to stiffness of the elbow. Radial deviation of the wrist is caused by lack of support to the carpus, radial deviation may be reinforced if forearm muscles are functioning poorly or have abnormal insertions. Although radial longitudinal deficiency is often bilateral, the extent of involvement is most often asymmetric.

Facial femoral syndrome is a rare congenital disorder. It is also known as femoral dysgenesis, bilateral femoral dysgenesis, bilateral-Robin anomaly and femoral hypoplasia-unusual facies syndrome. The main features of this disorder are underdeveloped thigh bones (femurs) and unusual facial features.

Hecht Scott syndrome is a rare genetic disease that causes congenital limb formation. The main characterisation is the aplasia or hypoplasia of bones of the limb. It is currently presenting in less than 1 in 1,000,000 newborns. It has been known to be more commonly present in males. It was first diagnosed in 2005 by Courtens et al. who recognised the malformations with his present case and four others that were similarly described in literature.

References

  1. Kangaroo Cats and Squittens Revealed (October 2006)
  2. Robinson Roy (1999), "Genetics for Cat Breeders and Veterinarians", Butterworth Heinemann, ISBN   0-7506-4069-3
  3. Flipper-One Cute Twisty Kat and the Truth!
  4. [VETPET] National News Coverage of Twisty Cat Story
  5. Polydactyl Cats (October 2006)
  6. What Happened to the Maine Coon Polydactyl? (October 2006)
  7. Feline Radial and Femoral Hypoplasia (October 2006)