Thoracic wall deformity in Bengal cats - morphological findings and results from a breeder questionnaire.

TWD in Bengal cats shows genetic predisposition with significant perinatal mortality; selective breeding may reduce incidence.

This study investigates thoracic wall deformity (TWD) in Bengal cats through morphological analysis and breeding data. Using computed tomography and histological examination, researchers identified a spectrum of rib cage abnormalities including lordosis, flat chest, and pectus excavatum, with right-sided predominance in asymmetric cases. Microscopic findings revealed rib cartilage irregularities, growth plate abnormalities, ectopic cartilage formation, and vascular proliferation. A two-year questionnaire survey of Swedish Bengal breeders documented TWD in 38 of 311 litters (12%). Significantly higher perinatal mortality occurred in affected litters (20% vs. 12%, P=0.025), with increased stillbirths and deaths within 24 hours. Clinical signs included poor weight gain and dyspnea. Male kittens were disproportionately affected (72%), and two-thirds of affected kittens survived. Variation in TWD frequency among sires suggests genetic predisposition. These findings support strategic breeding selection and indicate need for genetic risk variant identification to reduce TWD incidence in Bengal cats.

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