Maine Coons appear to be at a higher risk of peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH)

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A study which has been published online and which you can see by clicking on the following link: https://doi.org/10.5326/0460398, concluded that longhaired cats of varying breeds particularly Maine Coon cats appear to be at a higher risk of PPDH.

Maine Coons appear to be at a higher risk of peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH)
 Maine Coons appear to be at a higher risk of peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH). Image: Clinician's Brief.

"Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia" describes the most common congenital defect involving the pericardium in dogs and cats. In this defect, the abdominal contents are herniated (to protrude through an abnormal body opening, rupture) into the pericardial sac (a fibrous sac that encloses the heart and great vessels).

For a cat, the symptoms might include: vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing, weight loss and difficulty breathing according to the pet MD website.

I think this information may interest some Maine Coon owners who want to do their best for the health of their cat.

It is always useful to have a bit of health knowledge about cats when a cat caregiver as it allows you to speak with more authority when visiting your veterinarian as long as you recognise your limitations and don't antagonise them!

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