[Breed and age dependent structure of the eye chamber angle in cats]

102 ophthalmoscopically healthy cats of both sexes, variable age and different breeds were examined gonioscopically. The examination included 70 European Domestic Shorthaired Cats, 24 Persian Cats, four Chartreuse Cats and three Siamese Cats. A distinct difference in number and distribution of fibers of the pectinate ligament was seen between different breeds. In Persian and Siamese Cats the pectinate ligament contains only a third of the fibers which are found in European Domestic Shorthaired Cats. However the fibers are thicker and less sprouted. In addition it was possible to prove an age-related development of the pectinate ligament. While the final number of fibers was seen to be already present in young cats the diameter of fibers increased with age. These findings were confirmed histologically (by stereo dissecting microscopy) light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy). Furthermore the two-layer-structure of the pectinate ligament in the cat was described for the first time.