Prevalence and characteristics of ocular diseases in Sphynx cats: A retrospective assessment (2012-2021) and comparison with non-Sphynx cats

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the prevalence of ocular diseases in Sphynx cats, and compare disease characteristics with other feline breeds.

Methods: Medical records of Sphynx cats presented to an ophthalmology referral center between 1/2012 and 4/2021 were examined. Cats of other breeds examined during the same period served as controls.

Results: One hundred ten Sphynx cats were examined during the study period, diagnosed with corneal sequestrum (n = 42 cats), lower eyelid entropion (n = 25), presumed herpetic keratoconjunctivitis (n = 19), conjunctivitis (n = 7), corneal ulcers (n = 6), nasolacrimal duct atresia/obstruction (n = 6), corneal dystrophy (n = 3), eosinophilic keratitis (n = 2), uveitis (n = 2), non-ulcerative keratitis (n = 1), and cataract (n = 1). Corneal sequestrum was significantly more common in Sphynx versus non-Sphynx cats (odds ratio = 8.0, 95% CI = 5.3-12.2, p < .001), and age of diagnosis was significantly younger in Sphynx cats (2.0 ± 1.5 years vs. 5.9 ± 4.0 years, p < .001). Corneal sequestrum recurrence was noted in 19.4% Sphynx eyes and 6.4% non-Sphynx eyes undergoing surgery (p = .015). Lower eyelid entropion-most often bilateral (80%)-was significantly more common in Sphynx versus non-Sphynx cats (odds ratio = 4.1, 95% CI = 2.3-7.1, p < .001), and age of diagnosis was significantly younger in Sphynx cats (0.9 ± 1.4 years vs. 3.5 ± 3.3 years, p < .005).

Conclusions: Corneal sequestrum and entropion were overrepresented and diagnosed at an earlier age in Sphynx cats when compared with the general feline population. Given the high prevalence, early age of onset, and relatively high recurrence of corneal sequestrum in Sphynx cats, further studies are warranted to better understand etiopathogenesis and preferred therapies.

Keywords: Herpesvirus; cat; cornea; entropion; sequestrum; sphynx.