Prevalence of feline ophthalmic disorders in South Korea: a retrospective study (2009–2021)

Abstract

Objectives This study aimed to determine the prevalence and clinical presentation of ocular diseases in cats in South Korea. Methods Medical records of cats that were presented for ophthalmology services at Seoul National University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital between 2009 and 2021 were reviewed. Collected data included patient signalment, clinical signs, diagnosed ophthalmic disorders and affected eyes. Odds ratios were calculated when a variable was over-represented. Results This study recorded a total of 358 eyes (180 cats). Domestic shorthair (DSH) was the most common breed (42.2%), followed by Persian (13.9%) and Scottish Fold (8.3%); 14 (35.6%) other breeds were recorded. The median age at the first presentation was 3 years (range 2 months to 17 years); the highest percentage of cats presented at <1 year (21.7%). The most affected ocular structure was the cornea (28.5%), followed by the lens (19.9%) and uvea (15.3%). The most frequently reported disorders were corneal ulceration (13.2%), uveitis (11.9%), incipient cataract (11.0%), keratitis (5.4%), secondary glaucoma (5.2%) and sequestrum (4.2%). The Exotic Shorthair breed was significantly over-represented with regard to entropion and periorbital fat prolapse ( P <0.01). The DSH breed was significantly over-represented with regard to eyelid agenesis ( P <0.01). Conclusions and relevance This study provides prevalence information for feline ophthalmic diseases and could contribute important data for diagnosing, treating and preventing feline ophthalmic diseases in South Korea.

Improving access to advanced veterinary care for rescued cats and dogs

“…Eyelid agenesis is the most common congenital ocular disorder of cats, and the young age of AMCTTR cats with eyelid agenesis is consistent with other reports. 14 , 15 Organizations funding advanced veterinary care for rescue cats should be prepared to fund ophthalmology procedures across the age spectrum.…”

“…Eyelid agenesis is reported to occur in 12.5% of cats with ophthalmologic disorders, yet in the AMCTTR population, eyelid agenesis represented 22% of feline ophthalmologic disorders. 15 AMCTTR improves training by providing diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities in young cats, which augments the training opportunities provided by the general hospital population. In addition, AMCTTR helps AMC meet its research mission by providing a varied caseload with broader opportunities for education of veterinarians through publications such as this one and others.…”