Browsing by Author "Barata, Joana Rodrigues Soares"
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- Ocular diseases in brachycephalic cats : a retrospective study of 50 casesPublication . Barata, Joana Rodrigues Soares; Delgado, Esmeralda Sofia da Costa; Tamagnini, Raimundo (Tutor)Background: Cat brachycephalic breeds have anatomical abnormalities that predispose them to respiratory, dermatological, dental, and ocular disorders. The prominent globes, reduced corneal sensitivity, and lower blinking rates increase the risk of ocular conditions Purpose: This retrospective study aimed to identify the most prevalent ocular signs, the most commonly diagnosed diseases and the therapeutic protocols in this studied sample of brachycephalic cats and assess whether certain breeds are more prone to certain diseases. Materials and Methods: Fifty brachycephalic cats underwent complete ophthalmological exams, including neuro-ophthalmological assessment, Schirmer tear testing, tonometry, biomicroscopy, fundoscopy, and fluorescein staining when needed. Variables at study included iatrotropic stimulus, whether the consultation was a referral, ocular signs, ocular diseases and the therapeutic protocols. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and Epitools 2025, Ausvet Pty Lt, Australia. Results: There was a total of 193 cats that were examined by the ophthalmology specialist, however, of these, 143 were non-brachycephalic, while the remaining 50 were brachycephalic. The study population (50 cats, 54% female, 46% male, aged 5.6 ± 4.0 years) included 56% Persian, 20% British Blue, 12% Scottish Fold, and 12% Himalayan breeds. Common clinical signs were epiphora observed in 80% of patients, blepharospasm in 78%, and a corneal dark plaque in 48% of the cases. Corneal sequestrum (48%), entropion (22%), and corneal ulceration (16%) were the most prevalent ocular diseases. Treatment included surgery in 28 cases, 75% of them were related with corneal sequestrum and consisted in keratectomy, amniotic membrane graft, bandage contact lens and tarsorrhaphy while 32% cases presented with entropion and underwent Hotz-Celsus blepharoplasty. Medical treatment was always advised. Conclusions: Ocular diseases were common in brachycephalic cats, with corneal sequestrum and entropion being the most prevalent. Patients exhibited two or more clinical signs, reinforcing the complexity of brachycephalic ocular syndrome, as these breeds are frequently affected by more than one ocular condition. Corneal involvement was the most likely ophthalmological problem in brachycephalic cats. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent irreversible damage. This study reinforces the need for early ophthalmological routine evaluations and responsible breeding practices due to the health risks associated with the more pronounced phenotypes of these feline brachycephalic breeds