Cat Health – Owner’s Guide To Causes Of Feline Blindness

Great vision is one of the cat’s most prominent characteristics. However, several illnesses in felines can cause your kitty to become blind. Cancer, hypertension, and glaucoma are some of the most common conditions responsible. The following are a few common causes.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of blindness in cats. Glaucoma is a condition in which there is too much pressure within the eye. Humans commonly suffer from glaucoma too. Medication can be used to relieve eye pressure in the early stages of the disease. In the advanced cases of glaucoma, your cat may need surgery.

Kidney Disease

Blindness in cats can also be caused by kidney disease. It is common for older cats to suffer problems like chronic renal failure as they age. Hypertension can also become a problem with cats suffering from renal failure. Sudden blindness can become a problem if hypertension causes the retina to rupture.

Atrophy

Another cause of blindness is progressive retinal atrophy. This is an untreatable condition. Cats inherit this untreatable condition. This disease, which as its name suggests progresses over time, causes complete blindness in cats.

Cancer

One of the most serious causes of cat blindness is cancer. The eye is commonly affected as tumors can grow in or around the eye. The eye may have to be removed surgically. However, it is usually replaced with a prosthetic eye to give a more natural look.

Hypertension

High blood pressure, or hypertension, can also cause blindness. If left untreated, the pressure can cause the retina to rupture. This can occur in just a matter of days. Cats that have kidney disease, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism have the highest risk of developing hypertension.

The most noticeable symptom of hypertension is the occurrence of dilated pupils. Dilated pupils don’t respond to light changes. The underlying cause needs to be treated to deal with hypertension. Your cat may also need to start eating foods low in sodium.

All owners should know a little something about various cat illnesses such as feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

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