Published Study

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For a number of years, some members of the TICA Breed Section list have been in favour of acceptance for the Maine Coon polydactyl. To further this endeavour they have shown in the New Traits classes in TICA shows. One of the major obstacles to this was the lack of scientific data concerning the Maine Coon Polydactyl and the request that studies be presented.

In the past a study brought forth from November 12, 1998 using domestic cats, but it was not specific to cat breed.

For the last five years +, Dr. Leslie Lyons, UC Davis, California, has been receiving DNA swabs from breeders and fanciers around the world from Maine Coon polydactyl sires, dams and kittens. This collected data from UC Davis was submitted to MRC-Human Genetics Unit, Western General Hospital, Crewe Rd, Edinburgh, to be used in the study referenced below.
There has also been ambassadors for the Maine Coon polydactyl present at the World Cat Congress, as well as other shows in Europe. Dr. Lyons stated emphatically on each and every occasion during the discussion of the Maine Coon polydactyl that there were NO issues with polydactyly even when homozygous.

The latest study is:

Human Molecular Genetics, 2008, Vol. 17, No. 7 978–985
doi:10.1093/hmg/ddm370
Advance Access published on December 21, 2007


MRC-Human Genetics Unit, Western General Hospital, Crewe Rd, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK

There is a wealth of information and a number of mediums used in the study. When asked, Dr. Lyons stated specifically that the dna swabs she received for the Maine Coon polydactyl community and Pixie Bob community were used in this study. The discussion of this article summarizes:

DISCUSSION

Analysis of polydactylous cats identified three new mutations associated with preaxial polydactyly. As found for human and mouse (8), the cat mutations reside within the ZRS suggesting that the nature of preaxial polydactyly in cats is equivalent to other mammals. Since these mutations produce a limb-specific phenotype in human with no other discernible physiological defects, we submit that this type of polydactyly has no further detrimental affect on the cat’s health.

The full report can be seen at:

http://www.polytrak.net

On the left side click on INFO/ARTICLES
click on EDINBURGH STUDY

Setting personal preference aside, genetically and health wise the Maine Coon polydactyl is as sound as its regular footed counterparts and consideration should be made for acceptance for Championship Status.
Thanks

Deb Brown

TO IGNORE THE FACTS DOESN'T CHANGE THEM

A Maine Coon Polydactyl is a Maine Coon.
Support for Champion Status - http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/polystandard
Promote the Polys...get your cats listed in PolyTrak!
http://www.polytrak.net
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