The prevalence of hip dysplasia in Maine Coons is very similar for all geographic regions

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A study found that no matter where the Maine Coon was born they have a very similar chance of developing hip dysplasia. Here is the chart:

What does this tell us? Well for me it tells us that around a quarter of Maine Coon cats develop hip dysplasia (Feline Hip Dysplasia - FHD) anywhere in the world. The same genetic problems exist in all these regions. The breeders are making the same errors in all countries.

It is possible to stop the inheritance of FHD; you remove foundation breeding cats from the blood line if they carry the genetic mutation which produces offspring with the disease. But the breeders won't do it because it would change the cats' appearance detrimentally as per the breed guidelines (the standard).

Here is a quote from the study mentioned which is: "Demographics of hip dysplasia in the Maine Coon cat".

The overall prevalence of FHD was 24.9% (635/2548), and was slightly higher in males (279/1023 [27.3%]) than females (356/1525 [23.3%]) (P = 0.025). Those with more severe dysplasia were older. The percentage of bilateral FHD was 56%, and bilateral cases had more severe dysplasia than unilateral cases but with no age difference. Month/season of birth or geographic region of origin did not influence the prevalence of FHD.

It is a bit technical but around a quarter of Maine Coon anywhere in the world suffer from FHD. 

And rather shockingly the "complete hip dysplasia registry (public and private) collected by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals through April 2015" shows that its records are entirely dominated by Maine Coons. 99.1% of the cats registered were Maine Coons. Almost no other cat breed suffers from this disease.

The breeders would not have to look far to see how they can remove the disease from their blood lines. It is a terrible situation really that Maine Coon adopters have to try and avoid buying a Maine Coon with the disease. One if four has it. This is unfair on the cats clearly and also unfair on the customers buying cats.

RELATED: What can Maine Coon breeders do to minimize inherited diseases?

FHP places an enormous responsibility on the caregiver as they have to take out health insurance and deal with a crippled cat for a significant part of their lives.

FYI - males are more likely to have FHD.

Study citation: Loder RT, Todhunter RJ. Demographics of hip dysplasia in the Maine Coon cat. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. 2018;20(4):302-307. doi:10.1177/1098612X17705554

The prevalence of hip dysplasia in Maine Coons is very similar for all geographic regions
Nice size comparison. And the hips seem to be working just fine! Image in the public domain.


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