Introduction

• Inherited retinal degeneration seen in Abyssinian; early and late form generalized retinal degeneration, late-onset suspected in Siamese Retina: inherited degenerations.
• Also seen in some Domestic Shorthaired cats, etiology unknown.
• Feline Central Retinal Degeneration (FCRD) associated with taurine deficiency Taurine deficiency.
• Signs: visual deficit especially at night, nervousness with other animals, may be no obvious clinical signs, pupil dilation and increased tapetal reflex visible through pupil.
• Diagnosis: ophthalmic examination, electroretinography, blood taurine assay.
• Treatment: dependent on cause.
• Prognosis: most degenerations are progressive unless predisposing factors can be treated. Pet cats usually cope well with blindness.

Pathogenesis

Etiology

FCRD

• Associated with a poor diet containing insufficient taurine Taurine deficiency. Often owner is feeding cat an improvised diet or dog food.

FPRD

• In the early onset inherited retinal degenerations, there is a suggestion that poor dark regulation of cGMP phosphodiesterase may be responsible.

Pathophysiology

FPRD

• Not well understood.

FCRD

• Taurine postulated to act as a neurotransmitter, may have cell membrane protective effect.

Timecourse

• Usually chronic for both FCRD and FPRD.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

Outcomes