Editing Bengal cat (section)

== Health ==
=== Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) ===
[[File:HCM Screen Jordan 2014 Completed copy copy.jpg|thumb|left|Example of a completed HCM report]]
[[Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy]] (HCM) is a major concern in the Bengal cat breed. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a disease in which the heart muscle (myocardium) becomes abnormally thick (hypertrophied). A thick heart muscle makes it difficult for the cat's heart to pump blood.<ref>{{cite web |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy |url= https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20350198 |work=MayoClinic.org |publisher=[[Mayo Clinic]] |access-date=January 22, 2019 |archive-date=September 15, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180915073912/https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20350198 |url-status=live}}</ref> 

HCM is a common genetic disease in Bengal cats and there is no genetic testing available as of 2018. In the United States, the current practice of screening for HCM involves bringing Bengal cats to a board certified veterinary cardiologist where an echocardiogram is completed. Bengal cats that are used for breeding should be screened annually to ensure that no hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is present. As of January 2019, the North Carolina State University is attempting to identify genetic markers for HCM in the Bengal Cat.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Meurs |first1=Kate |title=Genetics: Bengal Cat Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Study |url= https://cvm.ncsu.edu/genetics/bengal-cat-hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy-study/ |work=CVM.NCSU.edu |publisher=College of Veterinary Medicine, [[North Carolina State University ]] |access-date=January 22, 2019 |archive-date=January 24, 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190124051420/https://cvm.ncsu.edu/genetics/bengal-cat-hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy-study/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

One study published in the ''Journal of Internal Veterinary Medicine'' has claimed the prevalence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Bengal cats is 16.7% (95% CI = 13.2–46.5%).<ref>{{cite journal |title=Myosin-Binding Protein C DNA Variants in Domestic Cats (A31P, A74T, R820W) and their Association with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy |date=January 17, 2013 |doi=10.1111/jvim.12031 |pmid=23323744 |volume=27 |issue=2 |journal=Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine |pages=275–285 |pmc=3602388 |last1=Longeri |first1=M. |last2=Ferrari |first2=P. |last3=Knafelz |first3=P. |last4=Mezzelani |first4=A. |last5=Marabotti |first5=A. |last6=Milanesi |first6=L. |last7=Pertica |first7=G. |last8=Polli |first8=M. |last9=Brambilla |first9=P. G. |last10=Kittleson |first10=M. |last11=Lyons |first11=L. A. |last12=Porciello |first12=F.}}</ref>

=== Bengal progressive retinal atrophy (PRA-b) ===
Bengal cats are known to be affected by several genetic diseases, one of which is Bengal [[progressive retinal atrophy]], also known as Bengal PRA or PRA-b. Anyone breeding Bengal cats should carry out this test, since it is inexpensive, noninvasive, and easy to perform. A breeder stating their cats are "veterinarian tested" should not be taken to mean that this test has been performed by a vet: it is carried out by the breeder, outside of a vet office (rarely, if ever, by a vet). The test is then sent directly to the laboratory.

=== Erythrocyte pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK-deficiency or PK-def) ===
[[PK deficiency]] is a common genetic diseases found in Bengal cats. PK deficiency is another test that is administered by the breeder. Breeding Bengal Cats should be tested before breeding to ensure two PK deficiency carriers are not mated. This is a test that a breeder must do on their own. A breeder uses a cotton swab to rub the inside of the cat's mouth and then mails the swab to the laboratory.

=== Ulcerative nasal dermatitis ===
A unique form of ulcerative [[dermatitis]] affecting the nasal planum ([[rhinarium]] or nose leather) of Bengal cats was first reported in 2004.<ref name="Bengvall">{{cite journal |last=Bergvall |first=K. |title=A novel ulcerative nasal dermatitis of Bengal cats |journal=Veterinary Dermatology |date=2004 |volume=15 |page=28 |doi=10.1111/j.1365-3164.2004.411_25.x |doi-access=free}}</ref> The condition first presents between the ages of 4-12 months, beginning as a dry scale and progressing to crusts and fissures typical of [[hyperkeratosis]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Newton |first=H. |editor-first=Kimberly S. |editor-last=Coyner |title=Clinical Atlas of Canine and Feline Dermatology |date=2019 |publisher=[[Wiley-Blackwell]] |isbn=978-1-119-22633-8 |page=363-373 |doi=10.1002/9781119226338 |s2cid=243624855 |url= https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/book/10.1002/9781119226338 |access-date=26 March 2023}}</ref> The exact cause remains unclear; it is considered hereditary and incurable, but can respond favorably to topical [[steroid]] treatments such as [[prednisolone]] and [[tacrolimus]] ointment.<ref name="Bengvall" />
=== Life expectancy ===
A UK study looking at veterinary records found the Bengal to have a life expectancy of 8.51 years compared to 11.74 years overall.<ref>{{cite journal | last=Teng | first=Kendy Tzu-yun | last2=Brodbelt | first2=Dave C | last3=Church | first3=David B | last4=O’Neill | first4=Dan G | title=Life tables of annual life expectancy and risk factors for mortality in cats in the UK | journal=Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery | volume=26 | issue=5 | date=2024 | issn=1098-612X | doi=10.1177/1098612X241234556 | page=| doi-access=free | pmc=11156239 }}</ref>