Congenital ocular malformations in dogs and cats: 123 cases

Abstract

Objective Provide epidemiological data regarding the prevalence of congenital ocular malformations in dogs and cats. Animals studied A population of 32 974 dogs and 13 977 cats that presented for consultation at the veterinary teaching hospital. Procedures Medical records from 2011 to 2018 were reviewed. A retrospective and prospective epidemiological clinical study addressing congenital ocular malformations was conducted. Signalment, medical history, reason for presentation, clinical findings, vision impairment, and treatment options were analyzed. Results From the total of cases analyzed, 103 dogs (0.3%) and 20 cats (0.1%) met the inclusion criteria. The majority of dogs were mixed breed, the most common breed being the French Bulldog, while the majority of cats were European domestic shorthair. The median age of diagnosis was 12 months for dogs and 6 months for cats. Sex predisposition was not found. The most frequently identified abnormalities were as follows: congenital cataract (dogs: 31.1%; cats: 30.0%), microphthalmia (dogs: 35.0%, cats: 25.0%), and persistent pupillary membrane (dogs: 27.2%, cats: 40.0%). Some of the concurrently observed malformations were significantly associated. A statistically significant association was found between ocular dermoids and the French Bulldog breed (P < .001). Conclusions Even though congenital ocular malformations are uncommon, knowledge about their prevalence is important, since they can cause vision impairment or even blindness. Moreover, some human ocular disease phenotypes are similar to the ones presented by dogs and cats, so they can be used as models to investigate pathophysiology and therapeutic approaches.

Epidemiology and clinical presentation of feline presumed hereditary or breed-related ocular diseases in France: retrospective study of 129 cats

“…1,25–30 In our study, 74.1% of the cats were bilaterally affected, which is similar to previous reports. 20,25,28 Most of the presumed hereditary cataracts seem to have an early onset, as the median age at diagnosis was 8 months in our study, consistent with previous descriptions. 20,25–27,29…”

“…The median age at diagnosis was 6 months in our study, which is consistent with previous descriptions and the congenital nature of this anomaly. 20,23,24 Presumed hereditary cataracts were observed in 27 cats of nine breeds, including DSH, Bengal, British Shorthair, Birman, ESH, Norwegian Forest Cat, Persian, Devon Rex and Sphynx. None of these breeds was overrepresented.…”

Ocular dermoids in 13 cats: a multicentre retrospective study

“…[25][26][27] In a recent study regarding congenital ocular malformations in dogs and cats (123 cases), ocular dermoids were found in 16 dogs, but no cases were reported in cats, which confirms the rare occurrence of this type of lesion in cats. 5 In our study, the mean proportion of dermoid cases, compared with all the cats seen in ophthalmology in the various private practices, is about one case in 462.…”

“…25–27 In a recent study regarding congenital ocular malformations in dogs and cats (123 cases), ocular dermoids were found in 16 dogs, but no cases were reported in cats, which confirms the rare occurrence of this type of lesion in cats. 5…”

“…A genetic predisposition has been described in dogs (including Basset Hounds, Dachshunds, Dalmatians, Dobermans, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Saint Bernards and Welsh Corgis), 5–8,18–23 cattle (with a high prevalence in Herefords) 38 and cats (Birmans and Burmeses). 25,27,30…”