It is a sad fact that, in the interest of producing new breeds and ones that you can make a profit out of, a lot of breeders overlook the 'minor' detail of 'quality of life' for the end product. So you end up with all manner of random genetic mutations being perpetuated (when in nature they would not survive) for the dubious pleasure of those who view animals as decorator items and status symbols, rather than as living, breathing animals. The same happens with dogs, horses and any other animal that has become 'pet of the month' ... People really disgust me from time to time, but frankly I lack the energy to argue with idiots like that ... 
agree with you whole heartedly BC
Hi Leigh, I'm fine
although going away offshore tommorrow for 2 week's
just remembered another thing, in 2004 we were over to the IOM TT races and was staying in douglas at this guy's house
and he had two Manx cats, one of which was not eating right and I mind him telling me she'd also Bowel problems.
went back in 2007 and sadly the ill one had been pts
just did a quick search justnow and found this...
While its spinal mutation can give it a cute little tail, it can also cause the Manx a plethora of health problems. One problem
arises from what is commonly known as Manx Syndrome, which makes the tail too short, causing spina bifida. Spina bifida are
openings in the spine's vertebral arches, which can cause impairments in the legs, feet, knees, hips, bowels, and bladder. This
condition affects mostly rumpies. However, due to improved breeding practices, Manx Syndrome is becoming less common.
