The Dark Side of Cute Ears
Oliver's folded ears are what made me fall in love with him. I had no idea they were a sign of genetic problems.
The same gene that folds their ears also affects their cartilage and joints. Everywhere.
Joint Problems That Start Early
Oliver was only two when I noticed he was walking stiffly. Not limping exactly, just moving carefully.
The vet took X-rays and explained that Scottish Folds get something called osteochondrodysplasia. It's a mouthful, but basically means their cartilage doesn't develop properly.
Oliver's joints were already showing wear and inflammation. At two years old.
There's no cure. Just pain management and trying to keep him comfortable. He's on joint supplements and anti-inflammatory medication daily.
The medication costs $120 a month. The supplements are another $60. Plus regular vet visits to monitor his condition.
Some days Oliver moves around fine. Other days he clearly hurts. It breaks my heart knowing this will only get worse as he ages.
Heart Problems Too
As if the joint issues weren't enough, Oliver developed a heart murmur when he was three.
The vet said Scottish Folds are prone to heart disease. Another genetic gift from those adorable folded ears.
Oliver needed an echocardiogram to check his heart function. $420 for the test.
His heart muscle is thickening. He's not in heart failure yet, but he'll need medication eventually. And regular monitoring to watch for changes.
Each cardiac checkup costs about $350. We do them every six months now.
Kidney Disease on Top of Everything
Oliver's bloodwork showed elevated kidney values during a routine checkup. The vet mentioned polycystic kidney disease.
I was starting to feel like Scottish Folds are just genetic disasters wrapped in cute packaging.
An ultrasound confirmed small cysts in Oliver's kidneys. They'll grow over time and eventually affect his kidney function.
The ultrasound cost $380. Now Oliver needs blood work every few months to monitor his kidney values.
It's not causing problems yet, but knowing it's there makes every vet visit stressful.
What Scottish Fold Insurance Must Cover
After dealing with all of Oliver's genetic problems, I know exactly what Scottish Fold insurance needs to include.
Lifelong Joint Care Coverage
Scottish Folds will need joint care their entire lives. Don't let insurers exclude this as a hereditary condition.
Oliver's joint medications and supplements cost over $2,000 per year. That's before any emergency flare-ups or additional treatments.
Make sure your policy covers ongoing pain management, joint supplements, and potential surgeries. Some Scottish Folds need joint replacement procedures.
Multiple Genetic Condition Coverage
Scottish Folds don't just get one genetic problem. They get several. Your insurance needs to cover all of them.
Heart disease, kidney disease, and joint problems are all common in this breed. If your insurer won't cover genetic conditions, find a different company.
Also make sure they don't have annual limits that would leave you hanging when multiple conditions need treatment.