Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disease seen in Maine Coon cats. The disease is characterized by progressive instability with unsteady gait and posture abnormalities due to loss of motor neurons in the lower spinal cord and atrophy of muscles in the hind limbs.

Apr 6, 2023 · Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disorder affecting the spinal cord’s motor neurons. It is a rare condition that can cause muscle weakness and atrophy in affected cats. Maine Coon cats, in particular, are known to be predisposed to SMA.

Spinal muscular atrophies are a heterogenous group of diseases, varying in clinical severity and age of onset. All SMAs are caused by degeneration of the lower motor neurons of the spinal cord. This results in ataxia and muscle atrophy, particularly in the hind limbs.

Jan 4, 2021 · Spinal Muscular Atrophy, also known as SMA, is a neurodegenerative disorder that can occur in a variety of cat breeds, including Maine Coons. It causes the neurons that travel to the skeletal muscles of a cat's hind limbs and torso to degenerate until the cat is …

Spinal muscular atrophy is a condition that currently has been discovered only in Maine Coon Cats. This disorder affects muscular movement and can lead to disability. Cats that are born with this condition can survive and lead healthy lives, despite the disability to motor functionality.

Sep 23, 2022 · Spinal muscular Atrophy will obviously be a disease that affects the spine in your Maine Coon. It is a condition that will slowly degenerate the spine and cause weak muscles and awkward gait for the cat. Spinal Atrophy is not a fatal disease, and …

Aug 7, 2024 · Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a rare genetic disorder that affects the motor neurons in the spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy in both cats and dogs. This progressive condition can significantly impact a pet's quality of life, making it difficult for them to perform everyday activities.

Aug 26, 2024 · Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) an autosomally recessive inherited neurodegenerative disorder seen in Maine Coon cats. The disease is characterized by weakness and atrophy in muscles due to loss of motor neurons that control muscle movement.

Loss of ventral horn motor neuron in the spinal cord that activate skeletal muscles of the trunk and limbs. Loss of neurons in the first few months of life leads to muscle weakness and atrophy that first become apparent at 3-4 months of age.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a hereditary genetic disease of Maine Coon caused by the degeneration of neurons responsible for voluntary and conscious movements (walking, running, holding the head, swallowing, etc.). Symptoms of SMA may be more or less severe and occur primarily in a young kitten, although cases have been reported in adult cats.