Manx Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Cats communicate in various ways with slow blinks, a range of meow sounds high and low, purrs, and tail movements. With cats that have Manx syndrome, you don’t get the twitchy tail, the question mark curve, or the angry sway back and forth. These cats don’t have tails. If they do, they’re shortened. Learn more about this condition, including the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Manx Syndrome: Causes

Genetic Mutation

Manx syndrome in cats develops because of a genetic mutation. This condition is inherited and if two tailless cats breed, the shortening of the spine in offspring may be so severe that the kittens do not survive. In fact, these cases often require humane euthanasia.

Tail Trauma

A cat may also lose its tail as a result of trauma. Malformation of the spine results in sacrocaudal dysgenesis, which can affect any cat breed. However, the Manx breed , one of the oldest known to man, is the cat breed that most commonly deals with Manx syndrome.

Manx Syndrome: Symptoms

No Tail/Shortened Tail

The most obvious symptom of Manx syndrome is a missing tail. All breeds can be affected by Manx syndrome but the Manx breed has several classifications regarding the length of the tail. There is the rumpy tail (which means no tail at all), the rumpy riser (which means it’s a small nub that stands erect), the stumpy tail (which is notably shortened), the longy (which is almost full-length), and the full-tailed Manx cat, which displays a normal tail length.

Rear End Weakness

Manx syndrome impacts the spine. This results in weakness in the hindquarters. The spine may be malformed or there may be nerve damage that leads to this symptom. Kitties with this condition may tire more easily than other cats and may have trouble with remaining still or keeping steady when walking.

Fecal and Urinary Incontinence

Following nerve damage and spinal abnormalities, a cat with Manx syndrome may lose all control over their bladder and bowels. You may notice accidents happening around the home but you can mitigate those with the use of cat diapers and by manually helping your kitty clear their bladder and bowels. Just be sure to consult with your veterinarian for proper techniques.

A-Z Animals spoke with Dr. Colleen Wallace, a cat-only veterinarian at Cozy Cat Veterinary Hospital . She explained, “The shorter the tail, the more likely it will be for the cat to develop nerve problems that can affect their ability to eliminate properly. In some cats, this can cause urinary or fecal incontinence; which can lead to skin infections due to involuntary urine or stool leakage. Owners will need to clean the perineal area (possibly several times daily) and treat any infections with oral or topical antibiotics.”

Constipation

This condition may also present with constipation . Cats with Manx syndrome may lack the proper muscle tone that helps with expelling waste. Hydration is crucial to prevent constipation as well as a healthy diet as suggested by your vet. Manual stimulation can help relieve this symptom as well as medications and supplements. In more severe cases, an enema may be required.

Wobbly Walk

A wobbly walk, formally known as ataxia, may also be present with Manx syndrome. The spinal issues are the cause since the brain and muscles of these kitties aren’t communicating effectively. This results in difficulty with coordination.

Back Leg Paralysis

This symptom may be mild, still allowing for movement. However, in severe cases, a kitty may be unable to move its back legs, often dragging them behind them as they get around the home.

Lack of Feeling in Rear Area

A kitty that loses feeling in the rear area doesn’t respond to stimulation. In these cases, cats need extra monitoring as they could accidentally hurt themselves and be none the wiser. They count on their owners to help them discover and treat any injuries to the rear area.

Inability to Jump

Cats with this condition may be limited in their mobility. The spine and nerve damage affects their ability to jump. Some changes to the environment, like the incorporation of stairs for the couch and bed, can help a kitty with Manx syndrome get around the home with greater ease.

Manx Syndrome: Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Manx syndrome is usually done when cats are still in the kitten stage. As they begin to walk, it becomes evident if there are mobility issues. An x-ray may help confirm the diagnosis and your vet may decide to proceed with a neurological exam as well. Additionally, they may perform a urine culture or urinalysis.

Manx Syndrome: Treatment

There is no treatment for Manx syndrome, as it can’t be cured. However, you can manage the symptoms and keep the quality of your kitty’s life with proper care. You’ll have more responsibilities to ensure good hygiene for your floof but your efforts are rewarded with the love these kitties pour out onto you. The condition is lifelong but so long as they maintain a good quality of life, they can live long, fulfilled lives.

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