Hypokalemia is a condition that Burmese Cats and other breeds such as Devon Rex, Mandalay, Burmilla, Bombay Tiffany and Singapura among others can be susceptible to. It is a low potassium disorder that can cause muscle weakness in kittens and cats. It can necessitate daily potassium injections and apart from being distressing for both pet and owner it can be an expensive excercise for the owner.
In New Zealand we have been very lucky that we have had a low number of recorded cases. It is very prevalent in Europe and the USA.
We have had all of our breeding cats tested at U.C.Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory in California for Hypokalemia and are happy to be able to say they have all tested negative so we can safely say we are a Hypokalemia free cattery.
GM2: Gangliosidosis is a degenerative, fatal neurological disease characterized by severe muscle tremors and loss of motor control. In Burmese cats, the disease is caused by a mutation in the feline hexominadase subunit(HEXB) gene which leads to abnormal swollen neutrons and brain lesions. The inherited condition in affected kittens is first observed at 6-8 weeks of age beginning with mild tremors and leading to difficulty eating and lack of co ordination. The condition is inherited as a recessive, autosomal disorder.
We have had all of our breeding cats tested at U C Davis in Californis for GM2 and are happy to be able to say that they have all tested negative. So we are also able to say that we are GM2 free.
In addition all our cats have their annual health check and their innoculations are kept up to date.
They are our pets and their well being and good health are our top priority.
