HCM and Hip Screening in MC

[Brandi1750]

Thank you for adding me. We are new to breeding and want to be sure to do this correctly. We have Maine Coons and actively show. We do have breeding rights. I have completed all the DNA testing (came back perfect) including color genes. Question is these two tests- when I called the veterinary cardiologist for the HCM screening (blood test negative), and Xray for the hip dysplasia screening, they want the animal to be two years old. But the breeder of each recommends breeding the first heat after one year. What is correct?

 

[Furballsmom]

Hi
This thread is from 2019 but may have relevant information;
New To Breeding Questions

 

[Brandi1750]

Thank you, that is a good thread. I think I may have not been clear. I have a mentor. But it conflicts with what the testing affiliates (vets) say. Mentor and breeders say breed at a year. All cardiologists I have called for appts say they do not screen until two years. Does this mean most MC breeders breed before they do an actual echocardiogram or x-ray? Or is their a different type of specialist that can interpret results at one year?

 

[Furballsmom]

I'm not associated with any thing other than cats in general. It would seem to me that since MCs are slow to mature physically, wouldn't it be better for the cats themselves to wait, in other words go with the rec. of the vets?

 

[Brandi1750]

I'm not associated with any thing other than cats in general. It would seem to me that since MCs are slow to mature physically, wouldn't it be better for the cats themselves to wait, in other words go with the rec. of the vets?

Yes, that is what I thought. It seemed odd that breeder and mentors were saying to do opposite of vets. Which is why I was hoping someone could say if there is some reason not to wait?

 

[Furballsmom]

I hate to say this, truly I do, and I don't know who your mentor is so I'm not trying to speak badly of them, but the thought of money keeps popping into my head. I dunno otherwise

I don't know if I can find someone on the site who's involved

 

[posiepurrs]

I have no experience with your breed (I bred Persians when I was breeding) but I reached out to a more knowledgeable friend and breeder about your question. She said that IF your genetic testing showed your cats are clear there is no reason you can’t breed as the mentor said. I would imagine the mentor is concerned over the cats health if you wait 2 years. You run the risk of pyometra, as well as to many unbred heats will sometimes render a cat infertile. I will say this, in the 10+ years I was breeding I did find that breeders sometimes knew more about actual breeding than a vet. My own vet has asked me questions about it and we have worked together with him listening to my suggestions to solve some issues.

 

[Brandi1750]

Thank you so much- this was very informative. I really appreciate the feedback.