What is retinal degeneration in cats?

Progressive retinal degeneration is characterized by a progressive degeneration of the retina, or photoreceptors (rods and cones in the retina) within the eye that aid in the ability to see. A healthy feline’s photoreceptors will fully develop at roughly eight weeks of age, giving the kitten the ability to see.

Is retinal disease treatable?

Treatment is available for some retinal diseases. Depending on your condition, treatment goals may be to stop or slow the disease and preserve, improve or restore your vision. Untreated, some retinal diseases can cause severe vision loss or blindness.

What causes progressive retinal atrophy in cats?

Progressive retinal atrophy can also be acquired. Exposure to high doses of certain antibiotics (e.g. fluoroquinolone enrofloxacin and orbifloxacin) has been reported to cause PRA. Cats can also develop vision loss due to taurine deficiency.

Can retinal detachment in cats be reversed?

Retinal detachment is most frequently associated with high blood pressure, an overly active thyroid gland, or kidney disease. In some instances, prompt and proper veterinary treatment can restore partial vision to a cat with a retinal detachment, but in most cases, permanent blindness will result.

How do I know if my cat has retinal detachment?

Retinal detachment causes blindness in your cat….Symptoms of Retinal Detachment in Cats

1. Lack or reduction in movement.
2. Bumping into things.
3. Falling excessively or missing jumps.
4. Improper dilation of eye.

Can blind cats see light?

Letting them know it’s you and not to be scared. Some cats may still see light, in that case turning on a light when you come into the room can help as well.

Is retinal damage permanent?

If retinal damage is not treated properly and in a timely manner, permanent vision loss may occur. If you experience any symptoms of a damaged retina, contact Associated Retina Consultants at 602-242-4928 or website right away.

Can retina damage be repaired?

Yes, in many cases an eye doctor can repair a damaged retina. While a patient may not experience completely restored vision, retinal repair can prevent further vision loss and stabilize vision. It’s important that patients get treatment for their damaged retinas as soon as possible.

Why does my cat go blind at night?

One of the most common causes of sudden blindness in an elderly cat is due to high blood pressure (hypertension). The increased pressure pushes the light sensitive layer (retina) away from the back of the eye and this can happen literally overnight.

What does detached retina look like in cats?

Cats experiencing a detached retina may show signs of blindness or reduced vision. In some cases, the cat’s iris may stay dilated and will not adjust properly when exposed to light.

Should you put down a blind cat?

Yes, blind cats can live happy and normal life. It will soon adjust to its blindness and you should not consider putting it down. It is very cruel to consider putting your cat down unless it is extremely ill and affected and there is no other option. There are many ways in which you can care for your cat.

What are the symptoms of a cat going blind?

How to tell if a cat is blind

• Cloudy eyes.
• Uneven or very wide pupils.
• Disorientation and bumping into things, especially in low light.
• Walking slowly/cautiously with their legs wider apart than usual.
• Reluctance to jump.
• Hiding away and becoming nervous.
• Reluctance to go out at night.
• Changes in their behaviour.

What causes blindness in cats with retinal degeneration?

Blindness due to retinal degeneration can be caused by taurine deficiency in cats. Taurine is an amino acid that cats require as an essential part of their diet. Taurine is normally present in commercial cat foods, and tends to be a problem in cats that are fed imbalanced homemade diets or dog food.

What happens if a cat has a detached retina?

The retina is a sensitive membrane within your cat’s eye that receives light impulses through the lens. The retina then sends this information to the brain, which processes the visual information allowing for sight. Retinal detachment is a severe condition that may cause permanent blindness in your cat if treatment is delayed.

What is progressive retinal atrophy in cats?

Atrophy means the partial or complete wasting of a body part. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), is a group of degenerative diseases that affect these photoreceptor cells. With this disease, the cells deteriorate over time, eventually leading to blindness in the affected cat.

How do you know if your cat has retinal disease?

Genetic testing may also be done if your cat belongs to a breed that is prone to familial retinal disease. Additionally, hormonal causes may bring about retinal disease, and this will be considered as well.