Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day is a day dedicated to fostering a positive and supportive environment for pets born with disabilities. This awareness day aims to highlight the challenges faced by pets with physical and mental disabilities while educating the public about how human actions, such as irresponsible breeding, exposure to harmful toxins, and the misuse of medications during pregnancy, can contribute to these health issues. Let’s look at this important awareness day as well as some of the most common dog and cat birth defects.
When is Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day?
Observed annually on September 13, Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day was established by the MBJungle Foundation.
The foundation has chosen the mythical Chinese protector lioness ShiShi as its symbol to represent strength and protection for pets with disabilities.
Common Birth Defects in Cats
Like other species, cats can be born with a variety of congenital anomalies or birth defects. These defects can result from genetic factors, inbreeding, maternal health issues, exposure to toxins during pregnancy, or other unknown causes. Here are some common and uncommon birth defects in cats:
- Cleft Palate or Cleft Lip: A split or opening in the roof of the mouth or lip, which can vary in severity. This condition can interfere with feeding in kittens and may require surgical correction.
- Polydactylism: This condition results in cats having more toes than usual. While relatively benign, these cats—often called “Hemingway cats” after the writer known for keeping many polydactyl cats—are a unique sight.
- Flat-Chested Kitten Syndrome (FCKS): Kittens with FCKS have a flattened ribcage. The condition can range from mild to severe; some kittens outgrow it, while others may experience lifelong respiratory issues.
- Tail Deformities: Cats may be born with short tails, kinked tails, or no tail at all. While these can be characteristic of certain breeds, such as the Manx, they can also be random birth defects.
- Limb Deformities: This includes missing limbs, partial limbs, or fused limbs, which can affect the cat’s mobility.
- Spina Bifida: A neural tube defect where there is incomplete closing of the backbone and membranes around the spinal cord. Cats with this condition may have difficulties with mobility and controlling their bladder or bowels.
- Cardiac Abnormalities: Heart defects in cats can range from minor to severe and may require medication, surgery, or special care.
- Atresia Ani: A congenital condition where the anal opening is absent or closed. This serious condition requires surgical intervention for the kitten to survive.
- Hernias: Umbilical or inguinal hernias occur when a portion of the intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. These can be congenital or caused by trauma.
- Eye and Ear Abnormalities: Cats may be born with missing or underdeveloped eyes (anophthalmia or microphthalmia) or ear deformities, which can impact their hearing and vision.
- Chromosomal Anomalies: Similar to humans, cats can be born with chromosomal abnormalities, leading to various health and developmental challenges. One example is Klinefelter’s syndrome, where male cats have an extra X chromosome (XXY), often resulting in sterility.
Common Birth Defects in Dogs
Dogs can also be born with various congenital anomalies or birth defects. These defects can arise from genetic factors, inbreeding, maternal health issues, exposure to toxins during pregnancy, or other unknown causes. Here are some of the most common birth defects found in dogs:
- Cleft Palate or Cleft Lip: Similar to cats, this condition involves a split or opening in the roof of the mouth or lip, which can vary in severity. It can make nursing difficult for puppies and often requires surgical intervention to correct.
- Hip Dysplasia: This is a common hereditary condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to pain, arthritis, and mobility issues. It is particularly common in large and giant breed dogs.
- Patellar Luxation: In this condition, the kneecap (patella) dislocates or moves out of its normal position. It can cause lameness and discomfort and is often seen in small and toy breed dogs.
- Heart Defects: Congenital heart defects, such as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) or aortic stenosis, can range from mild to severe. These conditions can affect the dog’s ability to circulate blood effectively and may require medical management or surgery.
- Portosystemic Shunt (Liver Shunt): A liver shunt is an abnormal connection between the portal vein and other veins, bypassing the liver. This condition can result in toxins not being properly filtered by the liver, leading to a variety of health issues. Surgery is often required to correct the defect.
- Cryptorchidism: This condition occurs when one or both of a male dog’s testicles fail to descend into the scrotum. Cryptorchid dogs are at higher risk for testicular cancer and other issues, so surgical removal of the undescended testicle(s) is usually recommended.
- Umbilical Hernia: An umbilical hernia occurs when a portion of the intestine protrudes through the abdominal wall near the navel. While some umbilical hernias are small and may resolve on their own, larger hernias may require surgical repair.
- Megaesophagus: This condition involves an enlarged esophagus that lacks the normal muscle tone to propel food and water into the stomach. Dogs with megaesophagus may regurgitate food and are at risk of aspiration pneumonia. Management typically involves feeding the dog in an upright position.
- Atresia Ani: Similar to cats, this is a congenital absence or closure of the anal opening. It is a serious condition that requires surgical correction for the puppy to survive.
- Spina Bifida: This neural tube defect involves the incomplete development of the spinal cord and vertebrae. It can lead to mobility issues, incontinence, and other neurological problems.
- Elongated Soft Palate: Often seen in brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs, this condition occurs when the soft palate is too long and obstructs the airway. It can lead to breathing difficulties and requires surgical correction in severe cases.
- Deafness: Congenital deafness is often associated with certain coat colors and patterns, such as those seen in Dalmatians and Australian Shepherds. It can affect one or both ears and is usually irreversible.
- Hydrocephalus: This condition, commonly known as “water on the brain,” occurs when cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain, leading to increased pressure. It can cause neurological symptoms and may require surgical intervention.
- Entropion: This eyelid abnormality involves the eyelid rolling inward, causing the eyelashes to irritate the surface of the eye. It can lead to pain, corneal ulcers, and vision problems. Surgical correction is often necessary.
Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day serves as an important reminder of the challenges faced by pets born with congenital disabilities. By raising awareness and educating the public, we can create a more compassionate and informed environment for these special pets, ensuring they receive the care and support they deserve. Whether it’s understanding the causes of these birth defects or recognizing the importance of responsible pet ownership, this day is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of pets with disabilities.