(New text at bottom of post! 🐾)

I am, personally, always fascinated by lethal and non lethal mutations in nature. Being both a farmer and avid science lover, i tend to dive into research on genetic defects when they cross my radar. Thats how i heard of this one.

There is a lethal mutation in Dexter cattle that is called Bulldog Syndrome (aka chondrodysplasia). As i did further research i found cases of similar deformities in other livestock/animals, though not linked to the same syndrome. But for sake of simplicity, lets refer to the mutation as Bulldog Syndrome. In essense, what the mutation is, is a severe and disproportionate dwarfism. (NOTE: this is not typical dwarfism that goes wrong, it is it's own KIND of dwarfism)

Affected cattle are seen with their legs severely stunted, spinal shortening/deformity, their faces snubbed, some have tongues too big for their deformed jaws, and their stomachs protrude in an obvious bulge. Below i will share some medical images of dead specimens. WARNING, THESE ARE DEAD ANIMALS







(Below is just a clean skeleton)


Now, some might say that this shouldn't apply because it is something found in cattle/sheep/pigs etc, and not in lions. My rebuttal to that is that there are plenty of lioden mutations that have never been seen in lions, and yet we have them! (Pies, patches, melanism, etc..) As well as the lioden team themselves using human and pig examples as a basis for upcoming mutations/ideas. I also do not think it is crazy to imagine that cats can have lethal deformities that are a result of dwarfism, similar to the images above. (Think munchkin breeding, where if you get two of the genes the kitten will die before birth)

Here is a medical journal quote VVV

"" THE TERM "chondrodysplasia" is used to denote a condition characterized by faulty development of cartilage and growth of bone in the ossification centers of bones of nonmembranous origin, while the periosteal formation of bone takes place at a normal or a slightly increased rate. The disturbance involves chiefly longitudinal growth resulting in widening of the epiphyses, irregularity of the epiphyseal lines, and short thickened bones as seen in the roentgenograms.1 Clinically the condition manifests itself in typical cases by shortness of stature. This is due to shortness of the legs, but the trunk is of normal length. The arms rarely extend beyond the trochanters. The hands are broad, short, and often trident. The head appears large with sunken nasal bridge and prominent forehead and lower jaw.

This condition is often called "achondroplasia." The prefix, however, means "no" and the word "achondroplasia" would indicate a condition in which formation""

Here is the proposed art with varying ideas for poses!





What the mutation would mean for a lion cub is a stubbed face with set apart eyes, deformed and stunted legs, a rather large abdominal swelling, and a protruding tongue (possibly more severe spinal deformity?) The cub would be posed in a way that clearly shows off all aspects of the mutation, with a far off, "not aware" expression.

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A bit more about the mutation. The mutation can appear in aborted calves, but quite a few make it to full term and are birthed alive. However, being as deformed as they are, they only survive a few hours or days. The best record i could find said one had lived 14 days before its passing, which seems incredible to me.

As far as what to call the mutation I would suggest Bulldog, chondrodysplasia, achondroplasia, bulldog dwarfism, or bulldog syndrome !

Much like other lethals, i believe this one would possibly only live for one or two rollover periods, passing afterward.
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0 Months, Birth Message: "Oh no.. your lioness notices her cub is different from other cubs. It's body is deformed, and it's unable to crawl for milk. She is worried about them.."

(Possibly another month alive?)
1 Months, Birth Message: " [Cub] struggles to suckle, and still cannot crawl. It doesn't try to move as much anymore.."

Death Message: "Cub died due to being lethally deformed."

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If you don't support, please tell me why!

EDIT!!!



I am not a realism artist but i wanted to mess around with an idea! A possibility of what it could look like

(🐾 A suggestion to help with simplicity, a pose that exposes more of the belly might help with making base/marking variations. The belly could have less fur and therefore mirror the Cub's skin color, covering a broader area with an easier to manage factor (compared to making the markings/base cover the belly)

Another suggestion would be to have the lethals have a limited range of colors and marks that use the base genetics we use already, light, dark, medium, etc