Testing of cats: Hypotrichosis in Sphynx

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Usual turnaround time: 12 business days
1 test price: 56.00 $ without VAT

Related tests

  • Combination Sphynx Muscular dystrophy + Hypotrichosis in Sphynx + Hypokalemia + Blood Group DNA test + HCM4

Hypotrichosis in Sphynx

Hypotrichosis means a reduced amount of hair. In sphynx cats, there is an almost complete loss of hair, which is typical for this breed. However, this characteristic trait brings with it certain health complications. The absence of hair hinders thermoregulation, making Sphynx cats sensitive to temperature extremes. Their skin is also greasier and more prone to carrying skin yeasts. Tactile whiskers are short and curled.

Hypotrichosis in sphynx cats is caused by the c.816+1G>A mutation in the KRT71 gene, which encodes keratin 71. The mutation results in dermal papilla deficits and hair follicle dysplasia.

The mode of inheritance of the mutation is autosomal recessive. This means that only individuals who inherit the mutated gene from both parents will develop the disease. Carriers of the mutated gene are clinically healthy but pass the mutation on to their offspring. In the case of a mating between two heterozygous individuals, theoretically 25% of the offspring will be completely healthy, 50% of the offspring will be carriers and 25% of the offspring will inherit the mutated gene from both parents and will therefore be affected by the disease.

The genetic test can clearly reveal the genotype of the animal and is a useful tool for breeders to prevent unintentional breeding of affected kittens.

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References:

Gandolfi, B., Outerbridge, CA., Beresford, LG., Myers, JA., Pimentel, M., Alhaddad, H., Grahn, JC., Grahn, RA., Lyons, LA. : The naked truth: Sphynx and Devon Rex cat breed mutations in KRT71. Mamm Genome 21:509-15, 2010. Pubmed reference: 20953787

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Usual turnaround time: 12 business days
1 test price: 56.00 $ without VAT