Thread: HCM testing??

Hi All,

could i please ask your opintions on HCM testing our coonies? i feel very strongly that we should be doing all we can to eliminate this problem and although the current tests are far from perfect, we need them as they are all we have.

my question is... if both parents have been DNA tested homozygous negative, is there any need to test the kittens as theorectically they could not possible carry the gene, or can spontaneous mutation occur so should we be testing everyone reguardless of the health status of parents?

im asking because when i bought my girl, her parents were tested clear (although i never saw proof, i just took the breeders at their word) and so i have assumed she would be clear, i have only ever used stud cats that were tested clear and i thought i was doing the right things to keep my kittens as free from problems as i could, but now im wondering....

should i be dna screening everyone? Ultrasound annually would be ideal but our nearest centre for hcm screening is 200 miles away! and what about show girls, surely they canot be ultrasound screened as the clipping required would ruin their coats?

what do you all do in your catteries?
PM me if you like but i do think this should be an open and honest discussion.

thanks for taking the time to read.

Anji