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. The DBEre variant is beeing tested.
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 blue eyes in Maine Coon cats. The dominant factor not only influences the iris pigmentation, but is also associated with unilateral or bilateral deafness and minimal white spotting, that is not caused by the known variants responsible for white spotting.
According to recent research findings, there are also latent cats existing that carry the variant but do not themselves have blue eyes.
There is evidence that the homozygous presence of the variant leads to embryonic or fetal lethality. Therefore, mating heterozygous cats is strongly discouraged in order to avoid deaf offspring and the unintentional production of a homozygous embryo for this allele.
A genetic test can clarify whether the presence of blue eyes is due to this variant. The DBEre variant is beeing tested.
