Gary and Shaggy, a brother and sister cat, have been diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, marking a first for domestic pets.
What is Marfan syndrome?
As reported by People magazine, based on a study in Scientific Reports, Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects humans. It impacts connective tissues, including the structure of the eyes, bones, skin, ligaments, and blood vessels.
Those living with the condition often have extremely long legs, arms, and fingers. They can also experience severe short-sightedness, scoliosis, and crowded teeth.
Helping vets recognise the signs
The diagnosis was made possible thanks to the keen eyes of the cats' owners, who were puzzled by their pets' abnormally long limbs.
Researchers discovered that both felines carried two altered copies of the gene, having inherited one from each parent.
With these findings, the Cornell University team hopes to help vets easily identify future cases in other cats.
Translated from the FR Wamiz website using artificial intelligence
