Dr. Meurs Sphynx HCM Research Fund
Donation protected
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is the most common form of heart disease in cats, regardless of breed or mixed breed. Unfortunately we see a higher prevalence for this disease within several breeds, the Sphynx being among them. In Sphynx, this disease can be genetically inherited, is dominant, and often results in a drastically reduced lifespan. As of now, our only methods to mitigate HCM in breeding programs, is by careful deliberation of pedigrees, proactive annual or bi-annual echocardiograms before breeding as well as continued screening of all retired cats as HCM can occur in older years too. We also encourage pet owners to proactively scan their cats yearly. This is not only beneficial for their own cats' health, but is also invaluable information for their breeders.
Dr. Kate Meurs of North Carolina State University has been conducting research on Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in the Sphynx Breed for over a decade. She has already discovered individual mutations in the Maine Coon and Rag Doll breeds, and is working on finding a genetic marker in Sphynx right now. While this tool will not negate the value of echocardiograms, as there are likely numerous genes responsible for HCM, it most certainly would be a wonderful aid for breeders in assessing their breeding programs. This translates to a massive benefit for all Sphynx pet owners, as well as any Sphynx enthusiast. Not only does this valuable research require DNA samples of affected and non affected individuals, but also monetary support.
All proceeds for this GoFundMe will be donated directly to Dr Kate Meurs Sphynx HCM research at North Carolina State University, on behalf of the The International Cat Association Breed Committee and Section, as well as the Cat Fanciers Association Breed Council, and all Sphynx Lovers and Enthusiasts. As a way to celebrate and show appreciation for any contributors to this GoFundMe, I will be doing a random draw for a limited edition Resin or Bronze cast Sphynx Bust or Sphynx Face Pin that I hand sculpted. For every 1000$ raised, I will do one draw of each, randomly choosing a winner from one of the contributors. Even $1.00 will go a long way.
Let’s show Dr Kate Meurs what an incredible force Sphynx Lovers really are!! It’s time to rally, #teamsphynx!!
Below are examples of the Sphynx Busts that will be given away to random contributors.
Dr. Kate Meurs of North Carolina State University has been conducting research on Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in the Sphynx Breed for over a decade. She has already discovered individual mutations in the Maine Coon and Rag Doll breeds, and is working on finding a genetic marker in Sphynx right now. While this tool will not negate the value of echocardiograms, as there are likely numerous genes responsible for HCM, it most certainly would be a wonderful aid for breeders in assessing their breeding programs. This translates to a massive benefit for all Sphynx pet owners, as well as any Sphynx enthusiast. Not only does this valuable research require DNA samples of affected and non affected individuals, but also monetary support.
All proceeds for this GoFundMe will be donated directly to Dr Kate Meurs Sphynx HCM research at North Carolina State University, on behalf of the The International Cat Association Breed Committee and Section, as well as the Cat Fanciers Association Breed Council, and all Sphynx Lovers and Enthusiasts. As a way to celebrate and show appreciation for any contributors to this GoFundMe, I will be doing a random draw for a limited edition Resin or Bronze cast Sphynx Bust or Sphynx Face Pin that I hand sculpted. For every 1000$ raised, I will do one draw of each, randomly choosing a winner from one of the contributors. Even $1.00 will go a long way.
Let’s show Dr Kate Meurs what an incredible force Sphynx Lovers really are!! It’s time to rally, #teamsphynx!!
Below are examples of the Sphynx Busts that will be given away to random contributors.
Organizer
Shauntay Burris
Organizer
Sebastopol, CA
