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What are Maine Coons health issues?

What are Maine Coons health issues?

Maine Coons are well known for being a very hardy cat breed, though are predisposed to developing certain Maine Coon health issues. These include hip dysplasia, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, spinal muscular atrophy, stomatitis, periodontal disease, polycystic kidney disease (PKD), and obesity.

How old does a Maine Coon have to be to have kidney problems?

As your cats ages, or if the disease is severe enough a Maine Coon will see these cysts enlarge and ‘push out’ the healthy kidney tissue resulting in a reduced effect from the kidney. This is often painless to the cat. Veterinarians suggest that you most likely will not see symptoms of the disease until your Maine coon is around 7 years old.

What to do if your Maine Coon has bladder problems?

If your Maine Coon seems to be having difficulty, perhaps overly smelling of urine, then your cat could have bladder problems, infections or any manner of blockages. Depending on severity, this can be fatal and you should consult a veterinarian immediately.

Is there a cure for PKD in Maine Coon?

Unfortunately no, PKD is considered a non treatable progressive disease, which means over time the cat will get worse as the cysts get larger. The best you can do, is provide a diet that is kidney friendly (low in sodium and phosphorus) and keep your Maine Coon hydrated so the kidneys are constantly flushed.

Why does my Maine Coon smell like urine?

It can be from the bladder or the urethra which can lead with your cat not being able to go to the toliet satisfactorily. If your Maine Coon seems to be having difficulty, perhaps overly smelling of urine, then your cat could have bladder problems, infections or any manner of blockages.

Why did my Maine Coon have to be put down?

My 13 yr. old male Maine coon went to the vet after he stopped eating. The vet said it was a problem with his pancreas and could clear it up but further tests showed bleeding around the heart so he had to be put down. What a great companion. Very loyal like a dog. He even watched over our two dogs.

What kind of kidney disease does a Maine Coon have?

Polycystic Kidney Disease, or PKD, is a genetic disease in Maine Coon cats where small cysts in the kidneys develop. The cysts are present at birth, and they multiply and grow in size as the cat ages. As the cysts develop, they tend to replace normal kidney tissue. The kidneys increase in size, and this leads to a decline in renal function.

What to do if your Maine Coon cat has PKD?

To diagnose PKD, a genetic test and ultrasound may be recommended by a veterinarian. Although there are no means of slowing down and removing the cysts in the kidneys, therapy may be recommended such as medication and a prescribed diet.

What to do if your Maine Coon cat has hip problems?

To prevent further damage to the hip joint, cats are put on a weight management diet. Extra weight can add pressure on the hips, thus worsening its condition. There are also certain exercises that a veterinarian may recommend as therapy such as walking on a leash, walking on a treadmill, and going up and down the stairs.