Other Sphynx Health Requirements
By...Dee Dee Cantley, Kikapoo Sphynx
Vaccinations- To vaccinate or not?
All my kittens are vaccinated with a three round set of shots. Two are intranasal and one SubQ 3-in-one Rhinotracheitis, Calici, FL Enteritis. Additionally I do a Bordetella vaccine at 4 months. This is why I do not like to let kitten go to new homes before 16 weeks of age. I do not suggest Rabies vaccines unless it is required by your city ordinance, as Sphynx should really not be allowed outside as it is. Many Veterinarians are becoming less and less likely to require yearly boosters and unless you board your cat or have it groomed outside the home, you probably do not need to do so. I do not recommend FeLV vaccines as they have not proven effective. New protocols for vaccinations are being developed. Changes to recommended vaccines because or sarcomas and other issues with vaccination reactions are being discovered very quickly. So please discuss it with your Vet, and keep up on the latest health news in the feline world.
Heart Issues - What is HCM? HCM or Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart. Many early cats used in breeding programs of Sphynx, were effected with the disease. Breeders did not become aware of the issues until years after kittens were born and dying of the disease. If you are getting a Sphynx please ask the breeder if the Sire and Dam have been scanned for HCM. Most reputable breeders scan their breeding males and most females yearly . Scanning once early in life, is no guarantee that the cat will not develop it later on. It is basically a thickening of the heart muscle. When the heart can no longer function, fluid begins to build up in the lungs and chest cavity which eventually will cause the heart to cease pumping properly. I suggest pet owners scan at a bare minimum at one year, three years, & five years. After Seven years of age once every 3-4 years. If they can determine your cat has onset of the disease early, you may be able to slow the progression with certain medications. But unfortunately it will ultimately shorten their life span. HCM clinics are now being scheduled as many breeds, not just the Sphynx, are affected. It is cheaper to go to a clinic as Board Certified Cardiologists can charge upward of $500 for a single scan. Let the breeder know, if a heart issue arises with your pet. We are working with scientists to develop a DNA test for HCM, and are close to finding the gene. But until they unlock the specific gene for the Sphynx breed, continued scanning is the best science we have available.
Teeth cleaning - When ? Sphynx can have gum issues and I suggest you have them checked every year. I use one of the small finger cots with some baking soda and a little hydrogen peroxide/water mixed into a paste and rub on the outside of the teeth every month. Put a little meat baby food in with the paste and they are very amenable to having it done as long as you don't try to overdo it. start by just rubbing on the incisor teeth and front of the gums if you have never done this with your cat once they are comfortable with you rubbing their mouth you can get to the back area easier, Usually my Vet recommends every two years for a general dental cleaning. If their gums are red it is a sure sign they need attention. If your pet has any health issues please be sure to discuss them with your Vet before you schedule a dental surgery . And NEVER let your Vet use Ketamine as an anesthesia for Sphynx, they react badly to the medication .
Be a responsible pet owner, schedule a general health exam with a reputable Veterinarian once a year. You will be rewarded with years of loving, happy and healthy companionship with your Sphynx.
Please contact me if you have further health questions.
By...Dee Dee Cantley, Kikapoo Sphynx
Vaccinations- To vaccinate or not?
All my kittens are vaccinated with a three round set of shots. Two are intranasal and one SubQ 3-in-one Rhinotracheitis, Calici, FL Enteritis. Additionally I do a Bordetella vaccine at 4 months. This is why I do not like to let kitten go to new homes before 16 weeks of age. I do not suggest Rabies vaccines unless it is required by your city ordinance, as Sphynx should really not be allowed outside as it is. Many Veterinarians are becoming less and less likely to require yearly boosters and unless you board your cat or have it groomed outside the home, you probably do not need to do so. I do not recommend FeLV vaccines as they have not proven effective. New protocols for vaccinations are being developed. Changes to recommended vaccines because or sarcomas and other issues with vaccination reactions are being discovered very quickly. So please discuss it with your Vet, and keep up on the latest health news in the feline world.
Heart Issues - What is HCM? HCM or Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart. Many early cats used in breeding programs of Sphynx, were effected with the disease. Breeders did not become aware of the issues until years after kittens were born and dying of the disease. If you are getting a Sphynx please ask the breeder if the Sire and Dam have been scanned for HCM. Most reputable breeders scan their breeding males and most females yearly . Scanning once early in life, is no guarantee that the cat will not develop it later on. It is basically a thickening of the heart muscle. When the heart can no longer function, fluid begins to build up in the lungs and chest cavity which eventually will cause the heart to cease pumping properly. I suggest pet owners scan at a bare minimum at one year, three years, & five years. After Seven years of age once every 3-4 years. If they can determine your cat has onset of the disease early, you may be able to slow the progression with certain medications. But unfortunately it will ultimately shorten their life span. HCM clinics are now being scheduled as many breeds, not just the Sphynx, are affected. It is cheaper to go to a clinic as Board Certified Cardiologists can charge upward of $500 for a single scan. Let the breeder know, if a heart issue arises with your pet. We are working with scientists to develop a DNA test for HCM, and are close to finding the gene. But until they unlock the specific gene for the Sphynx breed, continued scanning is the best science we have available.
Teeth cleaning - When ? Sphynx can have gum issues and I suggest you have them checked every year. I use one of the small finger cots with some baking soda and a little hydrogen peroxide/water mixed into a paste and rub on the outside of the teeth every month. Put a little meat baby food in with the paste and they are very amenable to having it done as long as you don't try to overdo it. start by just rubbing on the incisor teeth and front of the gums if you have never done this with your cat once they are comfortable with you rubbing their mouth you can get to the back area easier, Usually my Vet recommends every two years for a general dental cleaning. If their gums are red it is a sure sign they need attention. If your pet has any health issues please be sure to discuss them with your Vet before you schedule a dental surgery . And NEVER let your Vet use Ketamine as an anesthesia for Sphynx, they react badly to the medication .
Be a responsible pet owner, schedule a general health exam with a reputable Veterinarian once a year. You will be rewarded with years of loving, happy and healthy companionship with your Sphynx.
Please contact me if you have further health questions.
