HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy)

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is an autosomal dominant genetically inherited disease of the myocardium (heart muscle).  It remains the most prevalent heart disease in ALL domestic cats and is not subject to a single breed, although several breeds are presenting with a higher prevalence, including Sphynx.  It is recognizable as a thickening of the left ventricle (the left chamber) of the heart.  HCM is often asymptomatic until it results in sudden cardiac death, thus making echocardiograph (ECG / EKG) screening invaluable.  HCM can develop at any time between the ages of 1 and 8 years old, so although screening is vital, it is not a guarantee against a Sphynx ever developing the disease.  The life expectancy of a Sphynx diagnosed with HCM varies from case to case, and typically with early detection and the use of medication a Sphynx can continue to live several years without complications.  Such complications we see with HCM include blood-clotting, pulmonary edema, and ultimately congestive heart failure and death.  It is crucial to the continuation and improvement of the Sphynx breed to have ethical breeders being proactive in detecting the disease in their breeding animals and removing affected or suspect Sphynx from their respective programs.  

                                                                             
Any additional tools we have in the detection of this disease will be of great benefit to the Sphynx breed, and here is where Dr. Kate Meurs of North Carolina State comes in.  Dr. Meurs is conducting research into identifying a Sphynx specific genetic marker for HCM. It is important to keep in mind that although a genetic test for a particular mutation would be blessing for the Sphynx, we must assume there are several other genetic mutations for HCM which are yet unidentified, making the continuation of Dr. Meurs current research as well as any future research crucial.  For instance, there are over 130 known mutations for HCM in human beings.  Without question a genetic test coupled with the use of yearly echocardiograph screening will inevitably lower the prevalence of HCM in the Sphynx breed.  Dr. Meurs research has proven to be very beneficial in the detection of HCM in the Maine Coon, and I believe I can speak for the Sphynx community as a whole when I say we are very grateful to Dr. Meurs for her interest and determination in helping