Can Animals Have Down Syndrome? Here This Explanation and 20 Pictures Animals Who Have Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome Animals – Down syndrome is by far the gymognized cause of abnormality and mental impediment particularly in infants.

This is also a cluster of elements that is brought by extra chromosome. Even according to statistics, this medical condition takes place only once in every 800 births.

Current studies have also shown that 6,000 children have Down syndrome just in the US alone. With animals, they also exhibit some inconsistencies in their chromosomes.

They still could not be considered as animals with Down syndrome if they have no any duplicate of human chromosome. This is actually a common hereditary problem among humans.

Animals like dogs and cats also have their specific and personal hereditary problems. Tri-somy, for instance, is a condition wherein there are three chromosomes that are exactly alike than the usual two chromosomes.

Nevertheless, it is still good to take note that this is not valid as a Down syndrome.

Down Syndrome Cat

Can Down Syndrome Also Occur to Cats? Cats with Down Syndrome usually have round eyes opposed to the normal ones having slightly slanted eyes.

Instead of alert-looking and sharp ears, they also have small or undersized ears that could look droopy or exhausted. Even the shape of their faces also looks slightly off.

Cats that have Down syndrome also sometimes act strangely than their normal counterparts. Cats are agile and graceful in nature but those that experience Down Syndrome are wobbly and clumsily.

They are also known to have a very poor coordination that sometimes they bump and fall. They also develop strange habits that include of sitting or meowing differently.

Cats with Down syndrome also find it hard to socialize with others such as with humans. Usually, they act differently from others particularly when it comes to littering. They do not also respond when they are called.

Like humans, cats can develop different kinds of medical issues because of Down Syndrome that include an impaired vision and a poor muscle tone. There is also a risk for them to exhibit heart issues that could be very harmful to their well-being.

Technicalities and Conditions

The following details will serve as a clue if cats are likely to have Down syndrome or not:

Cats and human have unique pairs of chromosomes. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosome while felines only have 19 pairs. People who experience this medical disorder usually have an additional 21 chromosome that is not likely for a number of animals due to a lower amount of chromosomes.

Since cats only have 19 pairs of chromosomes, they are not susceptible to trisomy. The structure of their chromosomes is somehow different from humans.

Behavioral differences do not also translate automatically to having this condition. Owners of cats with Down syndrome also complain about behavioral deviations that could range from poor balance, coordination and idleness.

Nevertheless, not all cats with Down syndrome exhibit strange behavior. Even if felines behave in a strange way, it does not mean that they already have Down syndrome. The activities that they are more interested in could only be the cause of their incorrect diagnosis.

A dysfunctional manner is an indication of different kinds of health issues. Cats may also have been affected by other types of diseases that cause them to act in different way.

Vet analysis actually requires more validation. Cats that are believed to have this condition might also be subjected to wrong diagnosis. Vets who identified them might not be aware of some other genetic disorders.

Felines are sometimes badly affected by an illness and manifest one significant symptom- irregular facial features. This also serves as the ground for claims of them having Down Syndrome.

They make generalities or hasty conclusions based on irregularity without understanding the genetic disorders or the Klinefelter syndrome that can bring physical mutation.

There is also no adequate medical proof to confirm that felines have Down syndrome. Thus, a veterinary should make an effort to check an animal and compare it with other groups. This must be done before ending up with a conclusion.

Reproduction in the family could bring certain abnormalities and defects. Inbreeding is also ordinary for felines. Nevertheless, when two species with the same genetic structure mate, it is likely that it will only result to defective offspring.

The amalgamation between members of the same family increases the possibility of passing unwanted traits and illnesses to future generations. The possibility is high among felines that mate outside their direct lineage.

Now, can felines experience Down syndrome? The answer is no. What other abnormality seen in felines is mostly brought by other medical issues and is not related to Down syndrome.

They might also pose the same physical and physiological symptoms that are manifested by humans with Down syndrome. Nevertheless, it is not exactly alike.

More researches and studies are still required to know more about Down syndrome issues in cats. Just like with any other disorder in animals, it is good to know the causes to best determine the necessary steps to consider curing it or avoiding it.

Down Syndrome Dog

Do Dogs Get Down Syndrome? There is no firm answer about this matter until now. A lot of people also wonder that tigers, dogs, apes and other animal kinds could have a set of genetic deformities which are the same as with Down Syndrome.

According to some veterinary experts, Down Syndrome is also present in dogs. However, it is somehow need to be different from human Down Syndrome. A dog actually has a specific amount of chromosomes that is different with humans.

In fact, dogs have 21pair of chromosome that does not contain identical information as the 21 pairs in humans. Therefore, trisomy 21 in a dog will not result to Down Syndrome. On the other hand, the information in human chromosomes does appear in other living things that include dogs.

Studies regarding the genes of dogs are not as updated and recent as compared to studies involving the human genes.

Even if the signs of Down syndrome are just evident after 1 to 2 years, the dog starts to show some physical abnormalities like mental slowness. If the disorder does not affect the survival rate of the dog, it still causes poor growth on the body organs and the body parts.

A puppy may also die after a couple of days as it is not able to feed itself or move around to feed itself. One good reason why dogs experience Down syndrome and die prematurely is that their mothers take them for granted.

In addition to that, it could lead to the death of dogs. The mother usually tries to get rid of the ill puppy to separate it from others. Dogs with DS could only live for five years than the healthy ones with a lifespan of about 10 years.

Does Dog Suffer From Down Syndrome?

A veterinary has the capability to determine if the dog suffers from Down Syndrome. Dog genetics is also somehow difficult to test. Below are some indications that your dog experiences down syndrome such as:

• Congenital heart disorder
• Complexity in hearing
• Poor eyesight, maybe with cataracts
• Thyroid issues, as shown through impaired metabolism as well as unbalanced body temperature
• Strange behavior like wailing from deformed internal organs or strange reserve

Unusual physical features and suspected behaviors like a warm and dry nose. Unusual patches on the skin, deformed hips or legs, frequent hair loss and strange facial features, a protruding tongue and a broad nose are also among other features.

Even if you do not get a specific reply from the veterinary, both of you should come to a decision of having a special dog. This dog mainly requires special care and attention as of its genes, embryonic development and all other reasons that are beyond control.

Symptoms and Signs

There are other signs of dog Down syndrome other than the ones mentioned above. It s very essential to take notice of these signs so you can detect the issue early on and at the same time take right action when possible.

While it might be really hard to tell, still it is likely. You only need to be alert and watchful. Healthy dogs are likely to have a wet nose while unwell or ill dogs have dry noses. To know if the dog has a Down Syndrome, make sure that you notice these following:

• Poor Eyesight: Because of the poor growth of puppies with this disorder, they are also likely to have pitiable eyesight. As a matter of fact, they are also more susceptible to developing cataract. Check your dog’s eye for cloudiness. Once you spot cloudiness, it might mean the development of cataract.
• Unusual Physical or Facial Features: A dog with Down Syndrome is likely to have distorted facial features and dwarf like appearance. Some popular abnormalities take account of a flat-like face short neck, small head, upwardly sloping eyes and ears that are irregular in shape. Dogs that have this condition usually have dry and warm noses. They are also likely to have irregular skin patches and deformed and incomplete legs. They also experience hair shedding or hair loss.
• Hearing Problems: While the signs might be difficult for you to notice, a puppy with DS is normally the dawdling one to react to various commands.
• Congenital Heart Issue: It’s obvious in puppies with DS as they have an atypical circulatory system. Dogs with DS were born with malformations.
• Random soreness: Dogs with DS normally usually have their whole system inflicted by the chaos. It might also have strangely developed internal organs that could lead it suffer from soreness at times.
• Discharge: A dog with DS might also shows some signs of illnesses. Thus, these could lead to a bloody discharge. You might see such discharge which usually comes from the rectum in the last phases of the syndrome.
• Skin Problems: A lot of dogs have this syndrome with skin issues. Apart from having missing or abnormal patches and heavy shedding, they might be very sensitive in minor irritants that only cause them to develop allergies and other medical problems.
• Thyroid Problems: A dog with DS might also experience thyroid malfunctioning that could lead to issues related to temperature and metabolism. A dog with DS has a lower temperature than a healthy and normal one.
• Behavioral Problems: A dog with this condition sometimes shows strange behaviors and traits like howling, wailing and whining. It might also show a reserve attitude towards strangers. Dogs with Down Syndrome do not also advance quickly in the phases of development. In addition to that, they become hard to potty train and feed as well. This is due to the fact that they cannot handle or control their bladders so well. Therefore, you need a lot of patience when you deal with a dog that experiences Down syndrome.

Caring Dogs with Down Syndrome might be hard. But, it also has many benefits. If you take good care of dogs with DS, you can be happy and fulfilled in raising these pets as if they are normal. When you can prolong their lifespan, it could mean as if you did something amazing.

Added to that, they are a part of the miracles showered by God. Others who take good care of special dogs often end up being health practitioners or nurses to both animals and humans. This is due to the fostering capability they have.

What To Forward to a Special Dog

A dog with a Down syndrome might not live long than those of healthy or normal dogs. Also, you cannot expect a dog with Down syndrome to perform all activities just like a healthy dog able.

It could not also handle responsibilities due to its sensory and mental impairments. When a dog experiences bloody discharge or has never been trained well, it is a lot better for owners to stay with the kids and the rest of the family.

In addition to that, sanitation is very essential. Your dog should have a very comfortable sleeping area and should be taken care of.

Here are Pictures Animals Who Have Down Syndrome

1. Down Syndrome Animals: Cat

2. Down Syndrome Animals: Monkey

3. Down Syndrome Animals: Sheep

4. Down Syndrome Animals: Horse

5. Down Syndrome Animals: Gorilla

6. Down Syndrome Animals: Tiger

7. Down Syndrome Animals: Whale

8. Down Syndrome Animals: Cow

9. Down Syndrome Animals: Lion

10. Down Syndrome Animals: Giraffe

11. Down Syndrome Animals: Koala

12. Down Syndrome Animals: Sloth

13. Down Syndrome Animals: Turtle

14. Down Syndrome Animals: Bear

15. Down Syndrome Animals: Hamster

16. Down Syndrome Animals: Dog/Pug

17. Down Syndrome Animals: Polar Bear

18. Down Syndrome Animals: Ferret

19. Down Syndrome Animals: Donkey

20. Down Syndrome Animals: Llama