Stick It In Your Ear

[Brigitte Cowell]

Did due diligence investigating soon after I saw that it didn't resolve on it's own at one YO, as I'd been told that it sometimes does. Had him to an opthamologist who told me not to be concerned. I was also thinking neurologist, but never investigated. Maybe Louie is part Siamese or Burmese? It is unilateral and not noticeable when the pupils are dilated. Only noticeable when they are constricted and you look at him head-on. Left alignment is about 5-10 degrees ectropic. His condition is likely congenital as he has had it ever since I first saw him at 12 weeks, altho possible that a problem occurred at or soon after birth.

No, it will not be because he is part-Siamese. The gene that causes strabismus in the Siamese breed needs two copies to have the effect it does, and hence the cat has to be colorpoint to be affected by the gene. I have an essay of an email somewhere from a lovely scientist Siamese breeder explaining in detail how this gene causes the problem..

The only reason I think it might be a good idea to consult a vet neurologist is that when I saw one this past week with my kitten she said that unilateral strabismus was more concerning than bilateral... but she also said that if it wasn't changing over months then it was less worrisome.

 

[Louie'sDad]

No, it will not be because he is part-Siamese. The gene that causes strabismus in the Siamese breed needs two copies to have the effect it does, and hence the cat has to be colorpoint to be affected by the gene. I have an essay of an email somewhere from a lovely scientist Siamese breeder explaining in detail how this gene causes the problem..

The only reason I think it might be a good idea to consult a vet neurologist is that when I saw one this past week with my kitten she said that unilateral strabismus was more concerning than bilateral... but she also said that if it wasn't changing over months then it was less worrisome.

Interesting statement about colorpoint genetics. I have stated that Louie's strabismus is unilateral, but it's not easy to confirm this. It's possible that it's bilateral and asymmetrical more pronounced on the left. Great to hear that since there is no change in over 14 months, that it's less of a concern.

It would be most helpful to find a correlation between cross eyed cats and life expectancy.

Did the veterinary neurologist suggest any diagnostics for your kitten?

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

No, we did a lot of different physical tests in the office, and my vet had done a few back at that place while under instruction from the ophthalmologist. She was in awe of how clear and "beautiful" her retinas were... basically because they couldn't detect any abnormalties in her reactions to certain stimuli, or positions and movements... she thought it unlikely it was a symptom of a worse disease. She gave a few exceptions but it seems that even a MRI would not necessarily tell more. That would be the next step, that and a spinal tap. She didn't advise them as she thought they would waste my money for no further information. She was going to call around some "friends" to see if there was anything further she could learn. I will let you know if I learn anything more.

I think any correlation you might see published on strabismus and life expectancy would not be satisfying. Most would be colorpoint cats, and that is not the cause here. And then it would depend if it were a benign thing like poor development of ocular muscles, or a more serious issue like an infection or tumor...

 

[Louie'sDad]

No, we did a lot of different physical tests in the office, and my vet had done a few back at that place while under instruction from the ophthalmologist. She was in awe of how clear and "beautiful" her retinas were... basically because they couldn't detect any abnormalties in her reactions to certain stimuli, or positions and movements... she thought it unlikely it was a symptom of a worse disease. She gave a few exceptions but it seems that even a MRI would not necessarily tell more. That would be the next step, that and a spinal tap. She didn't advise them as she thought they would waste my money for no further information. She was going to call around some "friends" to see if there was anything further she could learn. I will let you know if I learn anything more.

I think any correlation you might see published on strabismus and life expectancy would not be satisfying. Most would be colorpoint cats, and that is not the cause here. And then it would depend if it were a benign thing like poor development of ocular muscles, or a more serious issue like an infection or tumor...

Thank you. This puts me much more at ease about it. Of course, the thing about an MRI is frivolous, at this point since there seems to be no underlying issue. Just be wasting big money chasing phantoms. I'll stick with the most common and benign cause as being muscular and not neurological. The breeder was professional enough to give me a very sizable rebate after I brought this issue to their attention. If Lou stays with me for 15-20 years I'll be very pleased. I see no indication, so far, that this might not be the case. I'm willing to have it surgically corrected for cosmetic reasons, but nobody does this for cats. It bothers me because I know it's there. Nobody else notices it since it's very slight and not easy to detect.

Appreciate your passing anything that you learn from your vet along to me!

 

[SV Dad]

Joe, other than this eye issue, how is Louie?
I just love the oceli on his ears!

 

[Louie'sDad]

Joe, other than this eye issue, how is Louie?
I just love the oceli on his ears!

Thanks RD. At 18 mos, he's long since grown into those ears. He's a joy to have around. Makes me laugh often daily. Healthy AFAIK, and a perfect weight for his size; all muscle and no fat. Accurate description would be "sleek", although I prefer "lean and mean". Active, and energetic, although he lays down after awhile when I throw stuff for him to fetch up the stairs to the balcony. He'll lay and pant for awhile, just like the "big cats". Loyal, affectionate and very good natured, he loves to play, and the rougher the better. When we roughhouse, he almost never draws blood when his claws need trimming, and never when his claws are dull. When I offer my hand and arm as a "varmint", he'll stare, pupils dilating, then BANG....he'll spring, and flip over then try to "kill" my hand with his rear claws (which are retracted).........and then suddenly stop and lick my hand. Prefers dog toys, like knotted 1" cotton rope "bones" over cat toys. Greets me enthusiastically on those mornings where he didn't spend the night laying on my legs, in bed. Every once in a while the licks/love bites to my nose will draw blood, which is a joy for me. He's VERY vocal, as I understand all F1-F2 and many 3, 4 and 5 SV's are. We have long conversations sometimes. A lot of females describe their male cats as "a mush" and that sounds about right for me as well. He's taken over my life, to the point that I don't like to be away from him for long periods.

I can go on forever, but I'll stop boring you now.

How is Rascal. He's a big boy, isn't he? Any other SV's on your bucket list?

Joe

 

[Carykd7kau]

Hey Joe.
Your descriptions of Louie's behavior sounds like my little girl, Kilifi. Especially the stopping in the middle of killing your arm to wash your hand. She is an F5 SBT.

Cary

 

[Louie'sDad]

Hey Joe.
Your descriptions of Louie's behavior sounds like my little girl, Kilifi. Especially the stopping in the middle of killing your arm to wash your hand. She is an F5 SBT.

Cary

Your little girl is very pretty. Is that a recent photo of her?
Kilifi is prolly teaching you about rationalism v existentialism, no?

 

[Carykd7kau]

About a month ago on the pict. She is 13 mos old. I will tell her you said something nice about her. he will "Neow"

 

[SV Dad]

Yeah Joe,
Rascal and his brother Mayhem are a blast and a half. Actually fairly well mannered for SV's. They own the roost. My wife and I merely serve them. They are spoiled rotten. Rascal is now 5yo and Mayhem will be 4.
Healthy, tall and lean like most SV's. Best cats of my life.