Blue eyes
Blue eyes
General description
A genetic variant of the PAX3 gene causes blue eyes in Maine Coon cats and is associated with unilateral and bilateral deafness. There is evidence that homozygosity for this allele is embryonic or foetal lethal.
Breeds
Maine Coon
Order details
| Test number | 8876 |
| Sample material | 0.5 ml EDTA blood, 2x cheek swab, 1x special swab (eNAT) |
| Test duration | 7-14 working days |
Test specifications
| Symptom complex | ophthalmic |
| Gene | PAX3 |
Detailed description
A genetic variant of the PAX3 gene causes the expression of blue eyes in Maine Coon cats. This dominant factor not only alters eye colour but is also associated with unilateral or bilateral deafness and a minimal degree of white spotting, which is not caused by the already known variants responsible for white spotting.
There is evidence that the homozygous presence of the variant leads to embryonic or foetal lethality. Therefore, mating heterozygous cats is strongly discouraged in order to avoid deaf offspring and the unintentional creation of a homozygous embryo for this allele.
A genetic test can clarify whether the presence of blue eyes is due to this variant.
