Information on Feline Genetic Eye Problems
Like humans, animals are prone to certain genetic conditions, and cats are no exception. There are a number of eye conditions that cats are more prone to than others. In addition, certain breeds of cats are more likely to be afflicted with specific eye conditions that are hereditary in nature.
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Feline Corneal Sequestra
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Feline corneal sequestra is a genetic corneal disease that affects all breeds of cats, although Persians, Burmese and Himalayan appear most at risk. This disease causes dark plaque to develop on the cornea and can be painful. Feline corneal sequestra can lead to eye rupturing if left untreated. The prognosis for pain-free and clear vision is good for cats that undergo a surgical procedure to remove the plaque,
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
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Also known as progressive retinal degeneration, progressive retinal atrophy is the name given to several genetic diseases that progressively result in blindness. Although PRA occurs more in dogs than in cats, the Abyssinian breed seems to have a predilection to developing this disease.
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Rod-Cone Degeneration
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As with PRA, Abyssinian cats seem to be genetically predisposed to rod-cone degeneration, which can take the form of early onset or late onset. In a cat's eye, rod cells serve to detect shape and motion in dim light conditions while cone cells detect color and definition in bright light conditions. Both early and late onset lead to blindness, although the late onset usually does not reach the blindness stage until three to four years after symptoms first appear. Symptoms include wider pupils.
Primary Narrow-Angle Glaucoma
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Primary narrow-angle glaucoma is usually inherited, and is often called primary glaucoma in cats. Primary narrow-angle glaucoma involves a structural abnormality in the eye where fluid cannot drain, building up pressure which can lead to blindness if left untreated. Burmese cats appear to be predisposed to primary narrow-angle glaucoma.
Cataracts
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For reasons that are unclear, Birman, Himalayan, Persian or British shorthair cats are extrasensitive to eye disorders and have a higher incidence of cataracts than other cat breeds. Cataracts that are inherited respond well to surgery. Cataract symptoms include a bluish, gray or white color change inside of the eye, as well as changes in your cat's behavior suggesting they are not seeing clearly. Examples would include your cat suddenly bumping into things or uncharacteristic uncertainty in new environments.
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