Scottish Fold osteochondrodysplasia in cats
Also known as Osteochondrodysplasia, Fold disease.
The same mutation that folds the Scottish Fold’s ears also affects cartilage throughout the body. Every cat with folded ears has it to some degree.
- System
- Bones and joints
- Is it urgent?
- Not usually
- Spreads to other cats
- No
- Spreads to people
- No
- Origin
- Inherited
- Typical cost in Spain
- X-rays, €80–200; pain relief, €30–80 a month.
Symptoms
- Stiff, thick tail
- Short, thickened legs
- Lameness and stiffness
- Moves little and does not jump
- Chronic pain
Causes
A dominant mutation in the TRPV4 gene. Breeding two Folds together makes it much worse, but a single copy is already enough to cause problems.
How it is diagnosed
X-rays and examination of the tail and legs.
Treatment
There is no cure: pain relief, weight control and adapting the home.
No doses, on purpose: any medicine must be prescribed by your vet for your cat.
Prognosis
Variable: ranges from mild discomfort to disabling pain.
Prevention
The only prevention is not to breed cats with folded ears. Several countries and associations already advise against it.
Breeds at higher risk
It is described more often in these breeds. That does not mean all of their cats will have it, nor that a moggy is free of it.
Frequently asked questions
What causes scottish Fold osteochondrodysplasia?
A dominant mutation in the TRPV4 gene. Breeding two Folds together makes it much worse, but a single copy is already enough to cause problems.
Can scottish Fold osteochondrodysplasia be cured?
Variable: ranges from mild discomfort to disabling pain. There is no cure: pain relief, weight control and adapting the home.
How much does it cost to treat scottish Fold osteochondrodysplasia?
As a guide for Spain in 2026: X-rays, €80–200; pain relief, €30–80 a month. Prices vary a lot between clinics and cities, and out-of-hours emergencies cost more.
Which breeds are most at risk?
It is described more often in Scottish Fold. That does not mean every cat of those breeds will have it, nor that a moggy is free of it.
More in bones and joints
Educational content from Michipedia. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a vet: if you have any doubt about your cat's health, ask. Costs are a guide for Spain in 2026.