Porphyria is a group of diseases associated with the accumulation of porphyrins or their precursors, which is caused by disrupted biosynthesis of the heme molecule. There are two known types of porphyria - erythropoietic (associated with erythrocyte formation in the bone marrow) and hepatic (responsible for liver dysfunction). Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is a type of hepatic porphyria, while congenital erythropoietic porphyria (CEP) is a form of erythropoietic porphyria. AIP mostly affects neurological functioning, while CEP is associated with severe photosensitivity and hemolytic anemia.
UROS (associated with CEP), HMBS (associated with AIP)
Autosomal recessive (CEP); autosomal dominant or recessive, depending on the mutation (AIP)
It is possible for porphyria to be asymptomatic. Common clinical signs in cats include dark yellow-brown urine and reddish-brown teeth (erythrodontia).
Diagnosis of this disease is dependent on symptoms and bloodwork abnormalities.
Current data does not indicate that specific breeds are at a higher risk.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20485863/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24239138/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19934113/
Disease diagnosis and treatment should always be performed by a veterinarian. The following information is for educational purposes only.
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