The Manx cat is a domestic cat breed originating from the Isle of Man. Although it is possible for a Manx cat to have a normal tail length, the breed is known for being tailless or having a small tail stub. Although this unique feature sets the breed apart from other cats, it is also associated with various health issues. Some Manx cats suffer from a variety of spinal and neurological defects known as Manx syndrome as a result of their missing or short tails.
What is Manx Syndrome?
Manx syndrome is a collection of health issues seen in Manx cats. Although the syndrome is most common in Manx cats, mixed breed cats without tails can be affected.
The syndrome is related to the characteristic of the Manx breed – an absent or shortened tail. The same gene that causes a missing or shortened tail, also causes abnormalities in the development of the spinal cord and the nerves that supply the bladder, colon, hindlimbs, and perineal region. As a result, cats with Manx syndrome have issues with defecating, urinating, and moving their legs. Manx cats with short tails are prone to painful arthritis in the joints between the deformed tail bones.
Not all Manx cats develop Manx syndrome, although a cat’s likelihood of developing neurological issues is related to how short the tail is. Some Manx cats look normal, apart from their short tails, and show no signs of spinal cord issues. Others have major abnormalities of the spine and spinal cord and cannot lead normal lives.
What Are the Signs of Manx Syndrome in Cats?
The signs of Manx syndrome vary depending on how severely the cat’s spinal cord is affected.
Signs of Manx syndrome include:
- No tail
- Inability to control urine output
- Secondary urinary tract infections
- Inability to control the discharge of stools
- Constipation due to loss of nerve function
- Megacolon (distension of the colon)
- Partial paralysis of hind legs
- Incoordination of the back legs
- Lack of sensation of the skin around the anus and genitals
- Rectal prolapse, where some of the rectum protrudes and protrudes through the anus
What are the causes of Manx Syndrome?
Manx syndrome is caused by a genetic mutation, passed from parents to their kittens. This genetic mutation causes abnormal development of the last vertebrae (bones) of the spine that make up the tail.
Fetal Development
While a kitten is still a fetus, the development of the spine is closely related to the development of the spinal cord. So, if a cat has any abnormalities in the development of the spine (such as being tailless or having a shortened tail), there are usually abnormalities in the spinal cord. These spinal cord problems are what cause the neurological issues seen in cats with Manx syndrome. Cats with Manx syndrome can have varying degrees of spinal defects and therefore the severity of the condition can vary.
The Role of Genetics
Taillessness in Manx cats is due to a mutant, autosomal dominant gene. “Autosomal” means that the particular gene is located on one of the numbered chromosomes and not on a sex chromosome. The disease is therefore not related to the sex of the cat and both male and female Manx cats can be affected. “Dominant” means that one copy of the mutated gene (from one parent) is enough to cause the defect. In fact, having two copies of the mutated gene causes such a problem that kittens often die before they are born.
The mutant gene is not always “fully penetrant” or showing its full effect, so different tail lengths are seen.
Different tail lengths have different descriptions:
- Rumpy – no tail
- Rumpy riser – bump, or rump of the tail
- Stumpy – a small, slightly tail
- Stubby – a short tail
- Tail or long – half length or normal tail
The likelihood that a cat will have issues is directly related to how short the tail is.
What is the Treatment for Manx Syndrome?
Unfortunately, there is no curative treatment for Manx syndrome. Instead, treatment is supportive and varies based on the individual cat’s condition.
Treatment may include:
- Stool softeners to treat constipation
- Manually emptying the bladder of cats that cannot control their bladders
- Antibiotics to treat secondary urinary tract infections
- Daily fix for cats who cannot control their bowels or bladder.
Some cats are so affected that it is impossible for them to have a good quality of life. In these cases, euthanasia is recommended.
How Do I Care for a Cat With Manx Syndrome?
Daily grooming is important for cats who cannot control their bowels or bladder. Chronic skin contact with urine or feces can lead to urine scald, dermatitis, and infections, so it’s important to keep your cat clean.
You will also need to make some changes around the house to help your pet. Make sure your cat’s food and water bowls are easily accessible, and opt for a low-sided, spacious litter box to accommodate any mobility challenges your cat may have. Ramps or steps can help your cat access high surfaces like beds or couches. If you have slippery floors, it’s worth investing in non-slip rugs to help with grip.
Cats with Manx syndrome should be kept indoors. Cats with mobility issues are more vulnerable to attacks by other cats and dogs. They are also at greater risk of accidents, such as falling, getting stuck, or being hit by cars.
Manx cats should also receive regular veterinary check-ups to monitor their general health.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Manx syndrome diagnosed?
Although a veterinarian may suspect that a cat has Manx syndrome based on their physical appearance (ie, an absent or a short tail) and the clinical signs they exhibit, diagnostic tests are necessary. to confirm the diagnosis and to exclude other diseases that may be similar.
These tests include:
- Physical exam including a neurological exam
- X-rays
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Myelography to visualize the spinal cord
- Urinalysis and urine culture
Can Manx syndrome be prevented?
Manx syndrome can be prevented by not breeding tailless cats. Some organizations feel that breeding tailless cats, just for human pleasure, is unethical. Cats use their tails for balance and to communicate with other cats. Breeding a cat without a tail is not beneficial, and in some cases, it is detrimental to the animal’s health and welfare due to associated spinal abnormalities.
Conclusion
Manx cats are known for their shortened or absent tails. Unfortunately, this defining feature is linked to a set of spinal and neurological defects known as Manx syndrome. Although not all tailless cats are affected, some will have issues with urination, defecation, and hindlimb movement. These issues range from mild to severe, with the degree of severity depending on how severely the cat’s spinal cord is affected.
Although there is no curative treatment for Manx syndrome, it is still possible for some of these animals to have a good quality of life with proper care.
Featured Image Credit: PradaBrown, Shutterstock
