2012 Sphynx Calendar
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HCM research
In all the Scandinavian countries, Christmas is a time for celebration. It is also the time to give presents and a very suitable one is the Sphynx Calendar. The calendar has been produced by a small group of enthusiasts since 2007 and all the proceeds from its sale are donated via the Winn Feline Foundation, in the form of grants, to groups working on research into the causes of HCM in cats. The Sphynx is not especially susceptible to developing this disease, but after some were found to be affected, several owners got together to find a new way of supporting the research. The result was the Sphynx Calendar. This year sales of the calendar are also being arranged via our website. |
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HCM
HCM is short for Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and is the most common cause of heart disease in adult cats. HCM is characterised by an abnormal thickness of the heartmuscle, mainly at the left side of the heart. Because of the thickening of the heartmuscle the heart becomes less elastic, in consequence the heart can fill itself less easily. One symptom is a heartmurmur, which can be heard by a vet with a stethoscope. Affected cats are at risk of sudden death, breathing difficulties or development of a blood clot. But HCM is not a congenital defect, rather a disease that develops very slowly. Cats that have HCM very often show no signs before they are six months old, and it can take several years before a diagnosis can be made of HCM. Therefore a specialist performing an echocardiography report on several occasions is needed to confirm the initial diagnosis. |
Research
Increasingly, feline HCM is noted to be inherited, and various studies have been started for some breeds to determine the statistics and establish potential causes by examination of the genetics. A programme of testing samples supplied by owners is one of the investigations underway and supported by the group. By 2008 it had been demonstrated that HCM is associated with a mutation in the myosin binding protein C gene in the Maine Coon and Ragdoll cat. Further testing of DNA samples is now being undertaken in the Norwegian Forest, Siberian, and Sphynx breeds. Blood samples of both negatively and positively scanned animals are needed. As soon as a DNA test can be developed, breeders and owners will not have to have their cats scanned annually. One single test in a life time will be sufficient then. And there will be more knowledge about the breeding stock and their offspring. |
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How we have helped
Since the calendar was first sold the group has so far donated: 2008 - 1749 EUR = 2,500 USD 2009 - 2470 EUR = 3,500 USD 2010 - 2430 EUR = 3,445 USD 2011 - 2900 EUR = 4,100 USD Total - 9549 Euro = 13,545 USD |
How you can help
Very simple! Buy some calendars! For 2012 the calendars are available now at a price of 90 DKK = 12 EUR each plus postage. Payment can be made by bank transfer, cheque, or PayPal. Use one of the order forms below. The total for one calendar is: In Denmark 115 DKK = 15.45 EUR To Norway and Sweden 124 DKK = 16.66 EUR |
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Order by Email
If you do not want to use PayPal, please use this form and we will confirm the details |
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Links Information about sales In Denmark, Norway or Sweden contact either Tony and Myrtle Batchelor or Britt Schwartz For information about sales in other countries, and for more information about the project, see the coordinator's website Kathy Ruyssers |
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