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Question
I have a Siamese mix breed whose vibrant blue eyes sometimes quiver. Sometimes he acts like he can't see very well, but it doesn't happen very often. Is this related. Do mix breed Siamese sometimes have a propensity to blindness?
Hi Coleen,
It sounds like your cat is exhibiting a common trait among Siamese, known as nystagmus. This is exactly as you describe, when the eyes quiver from side to side (rarely up and down or in circles - this indicates a different condition). Most Siamese have at least some degree of nystagmus from barely noticeable to very pronounced. It is strongly linked to the partial albinism that causes their coat coloration (interestingly, it is also found in white tigers, who also lack pigment). It can appear more evident when the cat is focusing on something relatively close. Siamese are generally born with the condition, and it does not appear to affect their ability to see. The condition is not uncomfortable or harmful, and there is no need to treat it.
Siamese do have a slightly increased risk of a defect called Progressive Retinal Atrophy. The retina begins to atrophy (essentially waste), usually starting at a very young age or even birth. Cats with this condition begin to lose their eye sight over time, but fairly rapidly, and are often blind by young adulthood. Some are blind before they reach maturity. There are no visible signs in the eyes of this condition, though, and an ophthalmic exam is usually required to reveal this condition. This condition is inherited from the parents.
Hope that helps!
Jessica
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | I didn't ignore the rating at the right. I felt, Jessica, that you deserved a ten in all three categories (ha ha CAT-egories). Thank you for your response about our cat, Quasi. He's a adult, a polydactyl and very loving. I didn't know that Siamese had links to albinism; which explains (at least partially) the blue eyes. Thanks for your information on his eyes. It eased my mind considerably. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Jessica
Expertise
The areas in which I have gained the most experience are cat health and feral cat management/rescue. I provide supportive care to chronically ill cats, hospice care to terminally ill cats and also am involved in trap-neuter-return efforts. My specialities lie in taming feral cats and in the allopathic treatment of cats with illnesses or special needs. I also have owned Siamese, Himalayans, Abyssinians, Russian Blues, Savannahs, Bengals, Peterbalds, Don Sphynx and Oriental Shorthairs and am well-versed in cat breeds as well as cat behavior and nutrition.
Experience
I have 15 years of extensive experience with cats ranging from breeding to medical care. My daily routine consists of caring for cats with diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney failure, feline leukemia, feline AIDS as well as feral cats. I have experience with liver patients, heart patients, feline infectious peritonitis, cancer, recovery from amputation and trauma, congenital deformities and most every disease in between. I have assisted cats giving birth and hand-nursed kittens who were neglected by their mother from 2 days old through weaning.
Education/Credentials
15 years' hands-on experience
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