Disorder - Retinal dystrophy

Organ Systems Involved
Nervous/sensory

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Progressive rod-cone degeneration; Progressive retinal atrophy

Alternative Names
Autosomal dominant photoreceptor dysplasia

Presenting Signs

This genetic disorder is similar to rod-cone dysplasia. It leads to the progressive loss of structure and function of photoreceptor cells within the retina, the light-sensitive lining at the back of the eyeball. These cells, called rods and cones, receive the light that enters the eye. The retinas of affected cats usually stay normal until the cats reach middle age. Pupils of affected cats are abnormally enlarged. Cats with retinal dystrophy show congenital night blindness and nystagmus – an involuntary eye movement – during the early stage of disease, and eventually progress to complete blindness.

Breeds Affected
Abyssinian


Treatment

None: there is no available therapy surgically or medically. Blind animals require supervision when exposed to potentially hazardous environments.

PubMed References
Retinal dystrophy

Contributor
Findy Au