Some cats may suffer from strabismus, it is a rare condition but it often affects Siamese cats.
This anomaly does not affect the feline's good vision, it even gives it a funny look, but it is a palpable example of a mediocre parental line. It is a warning to the breeder, since future litters may suffer more serious injuries if he insists on breeding with defective specimens.
If you continue reading this post, our site will show you the main causes and treatment of strabismus in cats.
Types of strabismus
There are four basic types of strabismus, although they can be combined with each other:
- Esotropia
- Exotropia
- Hypertropia
- Hypotropia
The cat affected by strabismus must be visited by the veterinarian. He will assess if this strabismus affects the correct vision of the cat, or if he can lead a normal life with it.
Usually cats affected by strabismus from birth do not have vision problems. However, if a cat with normal vision suffers from an episode of strabismus, it should be taken to the veterinarian to assess the problem that has arisen in the cat's eyes and offer a remedy.
Causes of strabismus in cats
Congenital strabismus
Congenital strabismus is when the strabismus is from birth, the product of a deficient genealogical line. It is the most common cause of strabismus in cats. It does not usually cause greater problems than the simply aesthetic.
This form of strabismus can occur in all breeds of cats, but among Siamese cats it usually occurs in a higher percentage.
Abnormal optic nerve
An alteration or malformation in the feline's optic nerve may be the cause of its strabismus. If the malformation is congenital, it is not too worrisome.
If the anomaly is acquired (the cat had normal vision), and the cat suddenly acquires a squint look, take it to the vet immediately.
An inflammation, infection, or trauma to the optic nerve may be the cause of a cat's sudden strabismus. The veterinary professional will diagnose the cause and propose the most convenient solution.
Extraocular muscles
Extraocular muscles are sometimes the cause of strabismus in cats. The congenital alteration or malformation of these muscles is not serious, since animals are born that way and can lead a completely normal life.
As was the case with the optic nerve, if there is an injury or disease in the extraocular muscles of the feline, which suddenly produces some type of strabismus, you must immediately go to the veterinarian to examine and treat to the cat. Sometimes it will be necessary to practice cat surgery
How do I know what kind of strabismus my cat has?
The most common position of the eyes in cats affected by congenital strabismus is convergent strabismus (Esotropia). It happens when both eyes converge towards the center.
When the eyes diverge outwards, it is called Divergent Strabismus (Exotropia). Pugs often have this type of strabismus.
El dorsal strabismus (Hypertropia), is when one eye, or both, have a tendency to be located upwards, partially hiding the iris under the upper eyelid.
ventral strabismus (Hypotropia), is when one or both eyes permanently look down.
Treatment of strabismus in cats
In general, if the cat suffering from strabismus is in good he alth, the veterinarian will not recommend any treatment. Although it may seem aesthetically worrying, cats suffering from strabismus can lead a totally normal and happy life.
The most serious cases, that is, those that occur due to an acquired cause or that cannot lead a natural rhythm of life, must undergo surgical treatmentfor a better quality of life. The specialist will determine if your cat's specific case needs treatment and, if so, will advise you what measures we can adopt.
