Dermatological conditions

Primary seborrhoea (*)

Autosomal recessive mode of inheritance has been shown in Persians. The clinical signs can be seen in young kittens and involves a progressive scaling and a greasy seborrhoea that can affect the whole body. Diagnosis is made by taking a biopsy for histopathology which will show orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis. Treatment involves frequent use of anti-seborrhoeic shampoos and coat care.

Paradis, M & Scott, D.W (1990) Hereditary Primary Seborrhea-Oleosa in Persian Cats, Feline Practice 18:17-2

Dermatophytosis (*)

Longhaired cats and particularly Persian cats are recognised as being pre-disposed to developing disease due to dermatophytosis. In one study cited below (Scott 1990), Himalayan and Persian cats accounted for 75% of cases of dermatophytosis seen at the University Clinic in Canada. Genetic influences are suspected. Microsporum canis is the most common causal agent.

Godfrey, D (2000) Microsporum canis associated with otitis externa in a Persian cat, Veterinary Record 147:50-51
Lewis D T (1991) Epidemiology and clinical features of dermatophytosis in dogs and cats at Lousiana State University 1981 – 1990.  Veterinary Dermatology 2, 53 – 80
Moriello, K.A. & Womer, S.M. (1995) Feline Dermatophytosis, recent advances and recommendations for therapy. Vet Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice 25:901-921
Scott et al (1995) Fungal skin diseases. In Muller & Kirk’s Small Animal Dermatology. 5th edn. Eds D.W.Scott, W.H. Miller, C.E.Griffin. Philadelphia, W.B. Saunders. Pp 329-391
Scott, D.W. (1990) A survey of canine and feline skin disorders seen in a university practice: Small Animal Clinic, University of Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec (1987-1988). Can Vet J. 31:830-835

Idiopathic facial dermatitis (*)

This condition has been reported in brachycephalic cats, particularly Persian cats. Signs include facial pruritus (itchiness), erythema (redness), crusting and excoriation (ulceration). Treatment is difficult with some cats responding to antibiotics, some to glucocorticoids and in the article cited below several cats responded to cyclosporine treatment.

Fontaine, J., Heinmann, M. (2004) Idiopathic facial dermatitis of the Persian cat: three cases controlled with cyclosporine. Vet Derm 15:64
Bond et al (2000) Idiopathic facial dermatitis of Persian cats. Vet Derm 11:35-41

Otitis externa

Otitis externa (infection of the external part of the ear canal) is a very common condition in cats. It can result from anatomic abnormalities, trauma, parasites, generalised skin disease or excessive moisture. The study listed below from Japan showed an increased incidence in Persian cats but this may represent the popularity of the breed in that area.

Baba E et al (1981) Incidence of otitis externa in dogs and cats in Japan. Veterinary Record 108, 393 – 395
Popovici C, Giurgiu G, Fit N, Boldiszar E, Gherghiceanu D (2003) The meaning of the cytological exam in dogs and cats concerning Otitis externa with multifactorial etiology. Buletinul Universitatii de Stiinte Agricole si Medicina Veterinara Cluj Napoca, Seria Medicina Veterinara. 2003; 60: 285-289

Ocular conditions

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

PRA describes an inherited ophthalmic condition leading ultimately to irreversible blindness. The underlying pathology is of rod and cone photoreceptor dysplasia and/or degeneration. Usually the rod photoreceptors are affected first, leading to night blindness as an early sign. In time, the cone photoreceptors also become involved, so that ultimately total blindness ensues. PRA is rare in cats, but an early-onset, recessively inherited form has been reported in the Persian breed. Reduced pupillary light reflexes were noted as early as 2 weeks of age, with retinal degeneration and total blindness by 16 weeks. No genetic tests are yet available for PRA in the Persian breed

Rah, H et al (2005) Early-onset, autosomal recessive, progressive retinal atrophy in Persian cats. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 46, 1742-7

Epiphora

Brachycephalic breeds such as the Persian may suffer from epiphora (tears running out of the eyes and down the face) as a consequence of their facial conformation. The condition occurs due to a combination of medial canthal trichiasis (hairs growing at the inner edge of the eyelid near the nose), a shallow medial canthal lake (abnormal eyelid conformation) and punctal occlusion (blockage of the lower tear duct). It is primarily a cosmetic problem, although it can occasionally lead to periocular dermatitis (inflammation of the skin around the eyes).

Corneal sequestration

This condition describes a focal area of degeneration within the corneal stroma, associated with a brown to black discolouration (so a dark area appears in the usually clear front of the eye). It can occur in any breed of cat, and has been linked to feline herpesvirus-1 infection (which is 1 of the viral causes of cat flu) and to chronic corneal ulceration. The Persian breed is predisposed to corneal sequestration formation. This may represent a primary inherited predisposition, or it may be a consequence of their facial conformation leading to exposure keratitis.

Narfstrom (1999) Hereditary and congenital ocular disease in the cat. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 1, 135 – 141


                                                                                                          
Coloboma (r)

Eyelid coloboma describes a focal absence of eyelid. It is usually a bilateral condition, affecting the lateral (outside) aspect of the upper eyelid. It can occur in any breed of cats, but the Persian breed may be predisposed.

Bellhorn R, Barnett K et al (1971). Ocular colobomas in domestic cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 174, 90-91

Entropion

Brachycephalic (short faced) breeds such as the Persian may suffer from entropion (rolling in of the eyelids) as a consequence of their facial conformation.
Narfstrom (1999)  Hereditary and congenital ocular disease in the cat. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 1, 135 – 141

Cataracts

Hereditary cataracts (opasities within the lens of the eye) are rare in cats, but have been reported in a number of breeds, including the Persian and Himalayan.

Hoskins JD (1995) Congenital defects of cats. Compendium of Small Animal Practice 17(3): 385-405
Peiffer RL, Gelatt KN (1975). Congenital cataracts in a Persian kitten. Vet Med Small Animal Clin 70, 1334-1335
Rubin, L.F (1986) Hereditary cataract in Himalayan cats, Feline Practice 26:14-15

Neurological conditions

Lysosomal Storage Disease: α Mannosidosis (r)

α Mannosidosis is a rare autosomal recessively inherited lysosomal storage disease (see under general section). Deficiency of the enzyme α-D-mannosidase leads to accumulation of oligosaccharides (large sugar molecules) in a number of organs, including brain, kidney and liver. Age of onset and progression of clinical signs can be variable, which may reflect some degree of hetrerogeneity (variability) in the degree of enzyme deficiency. Reported clinical signs include ataxia (uncoordinated walking), intention tremors, stillbirths, neonatal deaths, bizarre behaviour/dementia, liver enlargment, corneal and lens opacification, growth retardation and premature death. Vacuoles may be detected in peripheral white blood cells (lymphocytes and monocytes), and mannose-rich oligosaccharides may be detected in the urine, which are supportive of the diagnosis, but not confirmatory. The genetic defect in Persian cats has been identified as a 4 base pair deletion, but a commercial molecular diagnostic test is not yet available.

Jezyk PF, Haskins ME, Newman LR. Alpha-mannosidosis in a Persian cat. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1986 189 (11) 1483-5
Maenhout T, Kint JA, Dacremont G, Ducatelle R et al. Mannosidosis in a litter of Persian cats. Vet Rec 1988 122 (15) 351-4
Berg T, Tollersrud OK, Walkley SU et al Purification of feline lysosomal alpha-mannosidase, determination of its cDNA sequence and identification of a mutation causing alpha-mannosidosis in Persian cats. Biochem J. 1997 328 863-70

Useful Websites
www.upenn.edu/research/centers/penngen/services/metaboliclab
Urine screening for mannose-containing oligosaccharides can be done through this laboratory.

Musculoskeletal conditions

Prognathism (*) and other defects in jaw conformation e.g. twisted jaw or scissor jaw

Prognathism describes the positional relationship between the mandible (lower jaw) and maxilla (upper jaw) where either of the jaws protrudes excessively. Maxillary prognathism describes protrusion of the maxilla, which can also be described as an undershot bottom jaw or overbite. Mandibular prognathism describes protrusion of the mandible; an overshot lower jaw or underbite. While prognathism can be seen in any breed of cat it is particularly common in brachycephalic (short-faced) breeds, as are other defects in jaw conformation, and all are listed by cat showing authorities as breed defects.

Hoskins JD (1995) Congenital defects of cats. Compendium of Small Animal Practice 17(3): 385-405

Umbilical hernia - see general list click here...

Cardiovascular conditions

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) (*)

An increased incidence of HCM has been reported in the Persian cat. This may be due to an inherited gene defect, however, to date such defects have not been identified in this breed. 

See Screening scheme info on www.fabcats.org/hcm

Kittleson MD Feline Myocardial Disease, Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Editor:  Ettinger S.J, Feldman S.E., St Louis, Elsevier, 2000, pp 1082-1103
Tilley LP, Liu S-K Cardiomyopathy and Thromboembolism in the Cat. Feline Practice 1975; September-October: 32-41

 
Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (*)

Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia is a congenital abnormality by which the abdominal cavity directly communicates with the pericardium (the sac around the heart).  Colour point Persians and Persian cats have frequently been identified with peritoneal pericardial diaphragmatic hernia. Anecdotally, blue colour or colour point cats may be at an increased risk.

Skrodzki, M et al (1997) Congenital peritoneopericardial hernias in 16 cats - part 1 - literature review and cases [German], Kleintierpraxis 42:973 ff
Neiger, R (1996) Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in cats, Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian 18:461
Frye, F.L & Taylor D (1968) Pericardial and diaphragmatic defects in a cat, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 152:1507-1510
Reimer SB, Kyles AE, Filipowicz DE, Gregory CR. (2004) Long-term outcome of cats treated conservatively or surgically for peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia: 66 cases (1987-2002). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 224(5):728-32

Congenital portosystemic shunt - see general section click here...

Respiratory conditions

Brachycephalic airway syndrome

The term brachycephalic airway syndrome encompasses a number of anatomical abnormalities that are identified in short-nosed breeds, as typified by the Persian and Exotic. It comprises narrowing of the nares (nostrils), nasal passages and nasopharynx, elongation of the soft palate and possible narrowing of the trachea. Greater effort is required to achieve inspiration against this narrowed upper airway, which causes chronic ‘suction’ on the tissues in the area of the pharynx. This can give rise to inflammation and swelling, further narrowing the airway in the region of the pharynx. Whilst this anatomical problem has been associated with a requirement for conformational surgery in dogs (e.g. enlargement of the nares and shortening of the soft palate), cats rarely appear to require surgery, and there are no published case reports in this species.

Kunzel W., Breit S., Oppel M. (2003) Morphometric investigations of breed specific features in feline skulls and considerations of their functional implications. Anatomia, Histologia Embryologia: Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series C 32 (4) 218-223

Gastrointestinal conditions

Congenital polycystic liver disease

A small proportion of cats affected with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (AD-PKD, see under Urogenital Conditions) also develop multiple fluid filled cysts throughout the liver. The cysts may be large and may cause significant enlargement of the liver and abdomen but rarely appear to affect overall liver function.

Gene test available – see www.fabcats.org

Eaton KA, Biller DS, DiBartola SP, Radin MJ, Wellman ML (1997) Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in Persian and Persian-cross cats. Veterinary Pathology 34:117-126
Lyons, LA et al (2004) Feline polycystic kidney disease mutation identified in PKD1., J Am Soc Nephrol 15:2548-55.
Grahn, RA et al (2004) Genetic testing for feline polycystic kidney disease., Anim Genet 35:503-4

Urogenital conditions

Autosomal Dominant Polycystic kidney disease (*)

Inherited as an autosomal dominant characteristic caused by a C:A transversion at position 3284. The abnormal gene causes multiple congenital renal cysts to develop in both kidneys which gradually enlarge with age, eventually causing renal failure. Progression to clinical disease occurs at a variable and unpredictable rate. Severely affected cats develop clinical signs of renal failure as young as 2-3 years old, while others survive well into old age before succumbing to disease. Recent studies indicate a prevalence of around 30-40% in Persian and Exotic Short-haired cats in all countries in which the condition has been investigated.

Gene test available – see www.fabcats.org
Discussed on Susan Little’s website www.catvet.homestead.com - Selected Inherited Diseases of the Cat
Lyons, LA et al (2004) Feline polycystic kidney disease mutation identified in PKD1., J Am Soc Nephrol 15:2548-55.
Grahn, RA et al (2004) Genetic testing for feline polycystic kidney disease., Anim Genet 35:503-4
Beck, C & Lavelle, R.B (2001) Feline polycystic kidney disease in Persian and other cats: a prospective study using ultrasonography, Australian Veterinary Journal 79:181-184
Eaton KA, Biller DS, DiBartola SP, Radin MJ, Wellman ML (1997) Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in Persian and Persian-cross cats. Veterinary Pathology 34:117-126
Cannon MJ, MacKay AD, Barr FJ, Rudorf H, Bradley KJ, Gruffydd-Jones TJ (2001) Prevalence of polycystic kidney disease in Persian cats in the United Kingdom. Veterinary Record 149: 409-411.
Barrs VR, Gunew M, Foster SF, Beatty JA, Malik R (2001)  Prevalence of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in Persian and related-breeds in Sydney and Brisbane. Australian Veterinary Journal 4: 257-259.
Barthez PY, Rivier P, Begon D (2003) Prevalence of polycystic kidney disease in Persian and Persian related cats in France. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 5: 345-347.

Cryptorchidism (*)

This describes the failure of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) testes to descend. While all breeds of cat can be affected Persian and Himalayan cats are significantly over-represented. The retained testicles may be abdominal (33%), inguinal (49%), in the inguinal ring (14%), or absent (4%). No affected cats should be used for breeding.

Discussed on Susan Little’s website www.catvet.homestead.com - Selected Inherited Diseases of the Cat
Yates, D et al (2003) Incidence of cryptorchidism in dogs and cats.  Veterinary Record 152:502-4
Bruce, D.: (2001) Cryptorchidism in cats, Veterinary Record 149:280
Millis, D.L et al (1992) Cryptorchidism and Monorchism in Cats - 25 Cases (1980-1989), Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 200:1128-1130
Richardson E F & Mullen H (1993) Cryptochidism in cats.  Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practising Veterinarian 15, 12342 – 1369

Reproductive problems (*) – see general section click here...

Lower urinary tract problems (*) – see general section click here...

Haematological and immunological conditions

Chediak-Higashi syndrome (Blue smoke Persian only) (r)
This condition is seen in blue smoke Persians, and is characterised by oculocutaneous albinism (i.e. pale coloured irises, retinal hypopigmentation, and a pale coloured coat). In addition, the white blood cells contain enlarged granules, as do the melanocytes, and affected cats may develop early cataracts and have a tendency to bleed. The condition has an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance.

Kramer J W, Davis WC, Prieur DJ (1977) The Chediak-Higashi syndrome of cats.  Laboratory Investigation 36, 554 – 562
Kramer JW, Davis WC, Prieur DJ (1975) An inherited condition of enlarged leukocytic and melanin granules in cats: probable homology with the Chediak-Higashi syndrome. Federation Proceedings; 34(3): 861
Kramer JW, Davis WC, Prieur DJ, Baxter J, Norsworthy GD (1975): An inherited disorder of Persian cats with intracytoplasmic inclusions in neutrophils. JAVMA; 166(11): 1103-1104
Menard M, Meyers KM, Prieur DJ (1990) Absence of dense granule precursors in megakaryocytes from cats with the Chediak-Higashi syndrome. Veterinary Clinical Pathology; 19(1): 6-7
Prieur, D.J & Collier, L.L (1981) Inheritance of the Chediak-Higashi syndrome in cats, Journal of Heredity 72:175-177

Lymphocytic cholangitis
Information to follow

Haemophilia A – see general section click here...

Infectious conditions

Predisposition to FIP – see general section click here...