11 Burmese Cat Health Issues You Should Know

Burmese cats are a unique breed that is not recognized by any major cat registry or organization.

They were bred in the United Kingdom in the 1920s and 1930s, and many believe their origins lie with the Siamese breed that came from Thailand.

Burmese cats are known for their long coats and large ears, both of which help them stay warm during cold weather.

These characteristics can make it difficult for owners to know what health issues may occur with this breed.

Here are some common Burmese cat health issues:

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Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic, relapsing disease of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by inflammation and a proliferation of white blood cells.

IBD is the most common type of inflammatory bowel disease, affecting about 1 in every 6 Burmese in the United States.

IBD is caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors.

IBD can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, but most commonly affects the small intestine and colon.

Symptoms of IBD can include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.

IBD is treated with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and surgery.

It’s also important to note that there are several different types of IBD—the most common being ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn’s disease (CD), and indeterminate colitis.

Read more: 10 Factors That Might Influence Burmese Cat Life Expectancy.

Osteodystrophy

Osteodystrophy is a type of bone disease that can affect cats. It’s a condition in which the cat’s bones become thinner, weaker, and more porous. This can lead to fractures and other problems with movement.

If you suspect your Burmese cat has osteodystrophy, ask your vet about it.

Your vet will be able to tell if your cat has this condition by examining its physical appearance and asking questions about its health history (including any injuries or illnesses).

You may also want to take him/her for an x-ray so that you can see whether there are signs of fractures on his/her bones; these signs include:

The tip of one or both front legs being bowed outwards; this indicates weakness due to poor blood flow through his/her arteries

An abnormally large head size compared to his body size (called “dwarfism”).

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a progressive disorder of the eyes that causes gradual loss of vision.

It can be inherited, but it’s not clear why some cats develop PRA and others don’t.

Feline PRA affects both young and older cats, but most cases occur in middle-aged or older cats.

In some instances, the disease may be triggered by injury or infection—for example, if your feline friend gets hit by a car or injured by another cat when you aren’t around!

The condition usually starts with night blindness followed by decreased light sensitivity.

Eventually, there could be total blindness—but this may take several years to occur depending on how severe your cat’s symptoms are at first glance.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a genetic disorder that causes your Burmese cat’s heart to become enlarged and congested, leading to heart failure.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a disease that affects the heart muscle and can cause heart failure.

It is the most common heart disease in cats and is also the most common cause of death in cats.

HCM is caused by a buildup of thick, stiffened muscle in the heart.

This can cause the heart to be unable to pump enough blood throughout the body.

HCM is often inherited and can be caused by a number of different factors, including genetic mutations, exposure to toxins, and/or excessive exercise.

It can also cause abnormal heart rhythms or sudden death in some Burmese cats.

There is no known cure for HCM, but treatment can help manage the disease and improve heart function.

Glomerulopathy

Glomerulopathy is a disease of the kidney that can occur in cats.

It is caused by an accumulation of fluid in the kidney, which can lead to kidney failure.

Signs of glomerulopathy in cats include increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss, and poor appetite.

If left untreated, glomerulopathy can lead to kidney failure, which can be fatal.

Treatment for glomerulopathy in cats includes aggressive hydration and dialysis, depending on the severity of the disease.

Lymphangiectasia

Lymphangiectasia is a disorder of the lymphatic system in cats.

The lymphatic system is a network of vessels that helps move fluid and lymph throughout the body.

Lymphangiectasia can lead to fluid build-up in the tissues near the lymph nodes, which can cause pain and swelling.

Cats with lymphangiectasia may also experience difficulty breathing and may need surgery to remove the fluid.

Symptoms include:

Swollen limbs or abdomen, especially those on the back side (hind legs) of your cat.
Constipation due to reduced movement of stool through the intestines.

Lack of energy, lethargy, and weight loss.

Congenital Hypothyroidism with Goiter

Congenital Hypothyroidism is a medical condition in which a cat has a deficiency in thyroid hormones.

This can lead to a number of problems, including a goiter (a swelling of the thyroid gland).

Goiter can be a sign that the cat has a more serious underlying problem, such as a thyroid cancer.

If you notice a goiter in your cat, be sure to take him to a veterinarian for an evaluation.

Your cat may require treatment to correct the underlying problem and return his thyroid function to normal.

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is a relatively rare disease in Burmese cats. It’s estimated that only 1% of all male cats will develop testicular cancer during their lifetime.

But it’s important for owners to know about this condition because it can be diagnosed early and treated effectively if caught early enough.

Signs of testicular cancer include enlarged testicles and swelling around the scrotum (the sac that surrounds your cat’s testes).

If you notice any of these signs or have any other questions about your cat’s health, contact your veterinarian immediately!

Kidney Disease in Burmese Cats

If a Burmese cat has kidney disease, its urine will become very dark in color and have a strong odor.

This can be caused by an infection or blockage of the urinary tract that causes the kidneys to work harder than normal to produce urine.

In some cases, this can lead to kidney failure and death.

Kidney disease usually develops slowly over time and often has no symptoms at first.

However, if your Burmese cat displays any of the following symptoms then it could be suffering from kidney disease:

Blood in the pee (hematuria)
Thickened or lumpy-looking urination
Light-colored stools

Orofacial Pain Syndrome

Orofacial pain syndrome (OP) is a common disorder of the oral cavity and jaw in cats.

The cause is unknown, but it is thought to be related to abnormalities in the jawbone, teeth, gums, and nerves.

Orofacial pain syndrome is a condition in which your cat has chronic facial pain.

Signs and symptoms of OP may include toothache, jaw pain, difficulty eating, drooling, and a lack of appetite.

If left untreated, OP can lead to tooth loss and other health problems. To treat OP, your cat may need to see a veterinarian.

Treatment may involve antibiotics to fight the infection, surgery to correct the abnormalities of the jawbone, and/or medications to help relieve the pain and inflammation.

It can be caused by dental disease, trauma, or other medical conditions.

Orofacial pain syndrome can be treated with pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs such as carprofen (Rimadyl), meloxicam (Metacam), and aspirin.

Read more: How To Care For A Burmese Cat (13 Right Ways).

Hypokalemic Polymyopathy

Hypokalemic Polymyopathy is a condition where the body has a deficiency of potassium. This can lead to muscle weakness and cramping.

Symptoms include muscle twitching and cramps, which can be particularly severe if they occur when you’re at rest or sleeping.

They may also develop over time as your cat ages, so it’s essential to monitor their symptoms closely if you suspect that this might be an issue for them.