Prevalence of feline ophthalmic disorders in South Korea: a retrospective study (2009-2021)

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and clinical presentation of ocular diseases in cats in South Korea.

Medical records of cats that were presented for ophthalmology services at Seoul National University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital between 2009 and 2021 were reviewed. Collected data included patient signalment, clinical signs, diagnosed ophthalmic disorders and affected eyes. Odds ratios were calculated when a variable was over-represented.

This study recorded a total of 358 eyes (180 cats). Domestic shorthair (DSH) was the most common breed (42.2%), followed by Persian (13.9%) and Scottish Fold (8.3%); 14 (35.6%) other breeds were recorded. The median age at the first presentation was 3 years (range 2 months to 17 years); the highest percentage of cats presented at <1 year (21.7%). The most affected ocular structure was the cornea (28.5%), followed by the lens (19.9%) and uvea (15.3%). The most frequently reported disorders were corneal ulceration (13.2%), uveitis (11.9%), incipient cataract (11.0%), keratitis (5.4%), secondary glaucoma (5.2%) and sequestrum (4.2%). The Exotic Shorthair breed was significantly over-represented with regard to entropion and periorbital fat prolapse (P <0.01). The DSH breed was significantly over-represented with regard to eyelid agenesis (P <0.01).

This study provides prevalence information for feline ophthalmic diseases and could contribute important data for diagnosing, treating and preventing feline ophthalmic diseases in South Korea.