Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Eye diseases common in Sphynx cats compared to other cats
By Sarfaty, Havi et al.·Published in Veterinary ophthalmology·2022·EYECARE Clinic·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Prevalence and characteristics of ocular diseases in Sphynx cats: A retrospective assessment (2012-2021) and comparison with non-Sphynx cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 110 Sphynx cats was examined for eye problems, and many were found to have conditions like corneal sequestrum (a painful eye issue) and lower eyelid entropion (where the eyelid rolls inward). These issues were diagnosed at a younger age in Sphynx cats compared to other breeds, with corneal sequestrum being particularly common. About 19% of Sphynx cats with this condition experienced it again after surgery. If you have a Sphynx cat, it's important to keep an eye on their eye health and consult your vet if you notice any symptoms.
People also search for: Sphynx cat eye problems · corneal sequestrum treatment for cats · eyelid entropion in cats
Abstract
PURPOSE: To describe the prevalence of ocular diseases in Sphynx cats, and compare disease characteristics with other feline breeds. METHODS: Medical records of Sphynx cats presented to an ophthalmology referral center between 1/2012 and 4/2021 were examined. Cats of other breeds examined during the same period served as controls. RESULTS: One hundred ten Sphynx cats were examined during the study period, diagnosed with corneal sequestrum (n = 42 cats), lower eyelid entropion (n = 25), presumed herpetic keratoconjunctivitis (n = 19), conjunctivitis (n = 7), corneal ulcers (n = 6), nasolacrimal duct atresia/obstruction (n = 6), corneal dystrophy (n = 3), eosinophilic keratitis (n = 2), uveitis (n = 2), non-ulcerative keratitis (n = 1), and cataract (n = 1). Corneal sequestrum was significantly more common in Sphynx versus non-Sphynx cats (odds ratio = 8.0, 95% CI = 5.3-12.2, p < .001), and age of diagnosis was significantly younger in Sphynx cats (2.0 ± 1.5 years vs. 5.9 ± 4.0 years, p < .001). Corneal sequestrum recurrence was noted in 19.4% Sphynx eyes and 6.4% non-Sphynx eyes undergoing surgery (p = .015). Lower eyelid entropion-most often bilateral (80%)-was significantly more common in Sphynx versus non-Sphynx cats (odds ratio = 4.1, 95% CI = 2.3-7.1, p < .001), and age of diagnosis was significantly younger in Sphynx cats (0.9 ± 1.4 years vs. 3.5 ± 3.3 years, p < .005). CONCLUSIONS: Corneal sequestrum and entropion were overrepresented and diagnosed at an earlier age in Sphynx cats when compared with the general feline population. Given the high prevalence, early age of onset, and relatively high recurrence of corneal sequestrum in Sphynx cats, further studies are warranted to better understand etiopathogenesis and preferred therapies.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35598106/