by Carol
(Boston)
I have a blue Somali kitten who is 7 months old. She is an absolute doll and the love of my life!! I love her to pieces. I took her to the vet for a well visit and they noticed a bright red abscess on her back teeth.
They want to do a biopsy to see if it is cancerous.
Is this common with Somali’s at this age? Can you offer any advice?
Carol
Hi Carol.. Thanks for visiting and asking.
Firstly, I have changed the title. I hope that you don’t mind.
As the Somali cat is a long haired Abyssinian cat it can can assumed that it may be susceptible to the same inherited illnesses.
It is said that the owner should check the gums and teeth regularly of a Somali cat for inflammation and gum disease.
It is also said that in the 1990s ‘many purebred Somalis’ suffered from a congenital problem that caused dental problems including abscesses. This has been put down to inbreeding.
Some Somalis have had their adult teeth removed as a result.
Breeders endeavour now to breed out this problem. Breeders and veterinarians also report a higher incidence of gingivitis in Abyssinian cats that in other breeds.
I presume that an abscess can lead to cancer so perhaps the test is a precaution. I have not seen research that says that Somalis are prone to cancer of the mouth.
In conclusion: Somali cats are prone to the problem that you have described. I am sorry. The matter is now in the hands of the veterinarian I am afraid.
I think it is irresponsible of breeders to sell purebred cats while not disclosing the higher than average potential of a certain genetic disease in a breed, should that be the case. And indeed to create the circumstances that leads to this predisposition.
The Abyssinian also has a predisposition, apparently to Renal amyloidosis, two types of retinal atropy, lysosomal storage disease, Nenatatl erthrolysis and pattelar luxation.
They are wonderful cats though and I am sure most are very healthy.
Source: Medical, Genetic & Behavioral Aspects of Purebred Cats Edited by Ross D Clark DVM FORUM PUBLICATIONS INC.
My blue Somali kitten has a red abscess on her back teeth to Somali cat
