tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7053301620588978911.post637456794209288023..comments2008-03-24T12:40:14.940-07:00Freddie Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16519409844284574079mjbmeister@gmail.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7053301620588978911.post-3607950297820262002008-03-24T12:40:00.000-07:002008-03-24T12:40:00.000-07:00Alida,<BR/><BR/>Thanks very much for your comment and information - this is most welcome and useful.<BR/><BR/>I certainly would visit the site<BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://www.siberianresearch.org" REL="nofollow">SiberianResearch.org</A>Freddie Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16519409844284574079noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7053301620588978911.post-35659792892910421132008-03-24T10:04:00.000-07:002008-03-24T10:04:00.000-07:00HCM is a genetic disease and currently there is research underway to find the genes responsible for this heart disease in Siberians. Currently there is no test that can be given. Breeders can screen their pedigrees to be sure no ancestors of their cats have the disease. Cats can also have an echocardiogram to see if the disease is developing but this does not rule out the possibility that the disease may develop later in the cat's life.<BR/><BR/>While both HCM and "FUS" do appear in the Siberian breed, it is important to realize the disease is no more prevalent than the general cat population.<BR/><BR/>Siberian breeders have fully funded 2 grants to find the HCM genes and research directed by Dr Kate Meurs is currently underway at Washington State University.<BR/><BR/>To read more about the health and low allergy qualities of the Siberian cat, please visit www.SiberianResearch.orgAlidahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09400967648619767242noreply@blogger.com