◆ Dashing Coons · Ballwin, Missouri ◆
Our Health Testing
What we test for, where things stand, and how to request records.
Why We Health Test
Maine Coons are a breed I love deeply, and that means being honest about the conditions they can carry. Health testing is not a marketing checkbox — it is how I make sure the cats I breed are as sound as possible before they pass anything on. Here is what each test looks for and why it matters.
Heart — HCM Echocardiogram
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease in cats and is found in Maine Coons at a higher rate than most breeds. The only way to screen for it is a cardiac echocardiogram performed by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist — not a general vet listen with a stethoscope. I use a cardiologist for every echo. A clear result means no thickening was detected on that date; because HCM can develop over time, cats need to be rechecked periodically.
Hips — Hip Dysplasia Screening
Maine Coons are also predisposed to hip dysplasia, which can cause pain and mobility problems. Hip screening uses radiographs evaluated by a specialist. Catching this in breeding cats helps reduce the likelihood of passing it to kittens.
DNA Panels — SMA and PK Deficiency
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency are both inherited conditions that can be identified through DNA testing. A cat that carries two copies of the SMA mutation will develop muscle weakness; PK deficiency causes chronic anemia. DNA panels identify carriers so that two carriers are never paired — eliminating the risk of affected kittens.
Testing Status by Cat
Results are shared openly as they come in. Ask before you deposit and I will tell you exactly where each cat stands.
| Cat | Role | Heart echo | Hips | DNA panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jolene | Queen | Report not yet in hand | Report not yet in hand | Report not yet in hand |
| Dolly | Queen | Report not yet in hand | Report not yet in hand | Report not yet in hand |
| Spooky | Queen | Report not yet in hand | Report not yet in hand | Report not yet in hand |
| Cheetoe | Sire | Report not yet in hand | Report not yet in hand | Report not yet in hand |
| Cyrus | Sire | Report not yet in hand | Report not yet in hand | Report not yet in hand |
Every kitten goes home with its own clinic records and my written 4-year health guarantee.
Want to See the Results?
Ask about health testing status for any breeding cat before you deposit. Text or send a message and I will answer directly.
Text Sam: (618) 973-6926