Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Electroretinography test to tell carrier and affected
By Hyman, Jennifer A et al.·Published in American journal of veterinary research·2005·Eye Care for Animals, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Electrophysiologic differentiation of homozygous and heterozygous Abyssinian-crossbred cats with late-onset hereditary retinal degeneration.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of Abyssinian-crossbred cats were tested for a hereditary eye condition that can lead to vision loss. Researchers used a special test called electroretinography (ERG) to measure how well the cats' eyes responded to light. Eight of the cats showed abnormal results, indicating they were likely affected by the condition. Over time, these cats developed visible changes in their eyes that confirmed the diagnosis. This method could help veterinarians identify similar eye problems in cats before they become severe.
People also search for: Abyssinian cat eye problems · hereditary retinal degeneration in cats · cat vision loss symptoms
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To develop a method to electrophysiologically differentiate heterozygous-carrier Abyssinian-crossbred cats from homozygous-affected Abyssinian-crossbred cats before clinical onset of inherited rod-cone retinal degeneration. ANIMALS: 14 back-crossed Abyssinian-crossbred cats of unknown genotype (homozygous or heterozygous) for inherited rod-cone retinal degeneration, 24 age-matched mixed-breed control cats, 6 age-matched heterozygous Abyssinian-crossbred cats, and 6 homozygous Abyssinian cats. PROCEDURE: Electroretinography (ERG) of heterozygous and homozygous cats revealed differences, especially for scotopic recordings. Frequent ophthalmoscopy and ERG (2 to 5 times; at intervals of 3 to 6 months) of back-crossed cats were performed. Amplitudes and implicit times were analyzed by use of a graphic representation of results. Ratios for amplitudes of the b-waves to amplitudes of the a-waves (b-wave:a-wave) were compared. RESULTS: 8 back-crossed cats had decreased a-wave amplitudes, increased b-wave implicit times, and abnormal ERG waveforms. Values for the b-wave:a-wave for the highest scotopic light intensity were significantly higher for those same 8 cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The 8 back-crossed Abyssinian-crossbred cats with abnormal results developed fundus changes over time consistent with disease. A graphic representation of ERG results can be used to differentiate between genotypes prior to funduscopic changes. Values for the b-wave:a-wave ratio provide confirmation. These ERG analyses may be applied clinically in the diagnosis of retinal degenerations in various species. IMPACT FOR HUMAN MEDICINE: Cats with hereditary rod-cone degeneration may be a useful model for comparative studies in relation to retinitis pigmentosa in humans. Similar evaluations of ERG results could possibly be used for humans with suspected generalized retinal degeneration.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16334950/