18/02/2021
I’m following with attention all the results people are generously posting and reading opinions and I’m a little worried about the confusion generated around this new test that Dr. Meurs has put in our hands.
I’d like to give my opinion trying to explain my point of view. It’s very saddening seeing some breeders talk with this ambiguity about the reliability of this new test and have other breeders take shelter under that ambiguity to give their back to this new tool, probably not perfect just yet, but so interesting nonetheless. Clearly it had to be received with caution, but please, not belittling it like some are doing. Above all because it’s of the utmost importance that the research goes forward and in order to do that it’s important that the highest number of sphynx be tested, and some comments are going in the exact opposite direction and discouraging many breeders and owners so they don’t even bother.
Some principles have been clear since moment one, these results don’t imply we don’t scan with cardiologists anymore, it’s still a primary tool even though it’s also not the panacea, I know cats diagnosed positive through scan at 1 year old and now 11, alive and without treatment, I also know cats scan clear and die suddenly of cardiac related issues...what I mean with this is that nothing is 100% infallible, but these are the only tools responsible breeders have to fight this wicked illness. In my opinion both are required, and if and when there are more tools, we’ll incorporate them too!
I still haven’t got my results back, I’m awaiting very curious. I don’t know of a cat bred by me in my 13 years as a breeder that has developed the illness, I have scanned my studs and queens, only 2 cats I bought out scanned positive and were neutered and not used in my programme. I’m aware I’ve been extremely lucky, and only wish it stays like this.
I understand every breeder will make his own decisions and I respect that firmly, I personally will carefully select the cats in my breeding programme should results come back with affected cats (homozygous and/or heterozygous) with no rush and careful not to damage the genetic pool acquired up to now, being prudent, without drastic or dramatic solutions I believe it can be achieved.
For years now I’ve observed guarantees of refund if any of my cats develop hcm until 5 years of age, will continue to do so and will of course inform future adopters of the situation in which I entrust them, negative, positive homozygous or heterozygous, as well as the copies of the scan reports of the parents.
This is how I’m going to manage my cattery, each one needs to do what they believe to be more honest since no one has the absolute truth.
Photo Silvia Pampallona
NW SC Juguete Ayacata's Dreams
