Tag Archives: ABC Transporter Mutation

How Genetic Mutations Impact Your Pet’s Health and Veterinary Care

A polydactyl cat
A mutation is a change in your genetic material, also known as DNA. Mutations can be inherited, like the truncated tail of a Manx cat, or they can be acquired during a pet’s lifetime. Exposure to radioactivity, drugs, heavy metals and chemicals such as nicotine can damage DNA and induce mutations. Some mutations are simply the product of random errors during DNA replication. Mutations have varying effects on health. Some mutations can be helpful—for example, the mutation underlying sickle cell anemia that helped people survive malaria. Many mutations are “silent,” causing no health concerns. A common mutation in cats causes polydactyly, or extra toes, which results in extra toe beans but poses no health concerns. However, some mutations can result in an illness, cancer or affect how a body metabolizes a drug. This blogpost will highlight how veterinarians use knowledge of mutations to better care for your pet.