![]() ![]() But the researchers turned their focus to feline physiology and began studying DNA samples collected from Freddie to determine what genetic mutation might be affecting the animal’s heart health. Research from the Sadayappan Lab has shown that the prevalence of a genetic heart variant in people of South Asian descent predisposes them to HCM. His laboratory in the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine has investigated variants of the heart gene cardiac myosin binding protein-C and its role in the development of HCM which affects 1 in 500 humans. Sadayappan has studied HCM in humans for the past two decades. ![]() “So, we began our study of this second Maine coon who is the subject of our latest research on feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.” Janson approached me about finding help with the treatment and diagnosis of her cat Freddie,” says Sadayappan, also scientific director of the UC Heart, Lung and Vascular Institute. Initially, Freddie appeared healthy, but soon too developed a heart murmur. A few months later they purchased a Maine Coon kitten, Freddie. The family contacted Sadayappan, who along with his postdoctoral fellow, James McNamara, PhD, tested Nigel and found he did not carry the HCM mutation. The Jasons owned a 10-year-old cat, Nigel, who was related to Reggie and they worried he might also have the HCM gene mutation. Sadly, Reggie died of congestive heart failure in April 2017 at age three. Sakthivel Sadayappan, PhD, professor in the UC College of Medicine and shown in the photo above, was listed as editor of the article. About 30% of Maine coon cats have a genetic mutation that predisposes them to HCM.ĭesperate to save her beloved pet, Jason researched the topic and stumbled upon a research article discussing a drug known as Mavacamten (MYK-461) and a role it might play in addressing feline HCM. HCM leads to thickening of the muscle walls of the heart causing heart failure or other complications such as blood clots in major blood vessels over time. ![]() Janson became alarmed when one of her pets, Reggie, a blond purebred Maine Coon, was suddenly diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), commonly known as an enlarged heart, in March 2017. ![]()
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