Deafness in White Cats

Cvejic, D., T. A. Steinberg, et al. (2009). "Unilateral and bilateral congenital sensorineural deafness in client-owned pure-breed white cats." J Vet Intern Med 23(2): 392-395.

Congenital deafness in white cats is well known. However, studies of the prevalence among purebred white cats have not been done. This study was performed at the Ludwig Maximilian University, Germany and the University of California, Davis and examined 84 client-owned pure breed white cats for hearing loss (31 British Shorthair, 14 Maine Coon, 11 Turkish Angora, 9 Persian, 6 Foreign White, 6 Norwegian Forest, 4 Highlander, 1 Balinese, 1 Devon Rex, and 1 Oriental Shorthair). Hearing was evaluated using click-evoked brainstem auditory evoked response. Overall, about 20% of the cats had hearing loss in either one, or both ears. In addition, blue-eyed cats were more likely to have hearing loss than cats of other eye colors. While this study does not represent a population cross-section, nor breed evaluation, and prevalence rates were not compared to non-white cats, these findings do support the conclusion that deafness among pure-breed white cats occurs as it does with mixed breed white cats. Neither the mechanism of inheritance nor the genetic basis for the condition is completely understood. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Geigy, C. A., S. Heid, et al. (2007). "Does a pleiotropic gene explain deafness and blue irises in white cats?" Vet J 173(3): 548-53.
>> PubMed Abstract

Ryugo, D. K., H. B. Cahill, et al. (2003). "Separate forms of pathology in the cochlea of congenitally deaf white cats." Hear Res 181(1-2): 73-84.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Cvejic, D., T. A. Steinberg, et al. (2009). "Unilateral and bilateral congenital sensorineural deafness in client-owned pure-breed white cats." J Vet Intern Med 23(2): 392-395.

Congenital deafness in white cats is well known. However, studies of the prevalence among purebred white cats have not been done. This study was performed at the Ludwig Maximilian University, Germany and the University of California, Davis and examined 84 client-owned pure breed white cats for hearing loss (31 British Shorthair, 14 Maine Coon, 11 Turkish Angora, 9 Persian, 6 Foreign White, 6 Norwegian Forest, 4 Highlander, 1 Balinese, 1 Devon Rex, and 1 Oriental Shorthair). Hearing was evaluated using click-evoked brainstem auditory evoked response. Overall, about 20% of the cats had hearing loss in either one, or both ears. In addition, blue-eyed cats were more likely to have hearing loss than cats of other eye colors. While this study does not represent a population cross-section, nor breed evaluation, and prevalence rates were not compared to non-white cats, these findings do support the conclusion that deafness among pure-breed white cats occurs as it does with mixed breed white cats. Neither the mechanism of inheritance nor the genetic basis for the condition is completely understood. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Geigy, C. A., S. Heid, et al. (2007). "Does a pleiotropic gene explain deafness and blue irises in white cats?" Vet J 173(3): 548-53.
>> PubMed Abstract

Ryugo, D. K., H. B. Cahill, et al. (2003). "Separate forms of pathology in the cochlea of congenitally deaf white cats." Hear Res 181(1-2): 73-84.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Nasopharyngeal Polyps in Cats

Anders, B. B., M. G. Hoelzler, et al. (2008). "Analysis of auditory and neurologic effects associated with ventral bulla osteotomy for removal of inflammatory polyps or nasopharyngeal masses in cats." J Am Vet Med Assoc 233(4): 580-5.

Inflammatory polyps are non-cancerous masses that develop in the nasopharynx, auditory tube, or middle ear. They are typically visualized within the ear canal or the pharynx. Most common in young cats, they are part of the differential diagnosis for upper respiratory tract signs and otitis. Clinical signs include nasal or otic discharge, swallowing difficulties, head tilt, nystagmus, sneezing, and Horner's syndrome. Treatment options include traction avulsion, and either lateral or ventral bulla osteotomy (VBO). Many authorities consider VBO to be the treatment of choice. Reported complications include Horner's syndrome, nerve deficits, damage to vascular tissues, and auditory damage. To date, information on how these masses affect hearing in cats and whether VBO can affect hearing has not been published. In this prospective case series, 17 cats met full inclusion criteria, and long term follow was available for 15 cats. Using BAER, 6 cats had deafness prior to surgery. No cat experienced a change in presurgical auditory status. Cats with deafness prior to surgery did not regain auditory function. In the immediate post-operative period, 11 cats developed short term Horner's syndrome. Polyp regrowth occurred in 1 cat. The authors conclude that VBO is unlikely to affect hearing in cats, and long term adverse effects, including polyp regrowth, are uncommon.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Kudnig, S. T. (2002). "Nasopharyngeal polyps in cats." Clin Tech Small Anim Pract 17(4): 174-7.
>> PubMed Abstract

Esterline, M., M. Radlinsky, et al. (2005). "Endoscopic removal of nasal polyps in a cat using a novel approach." J Fel Med Surg 7(2): 121-124.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Anders, B. B., M. G. Hoelzler, et al. (2008). "Analysis of auditory and neurologic effects associated with ventral bulla osteotomy for removal of inflammatory polyps or nasopharyngeal masses in cats." J Am Vet Med Assoc 233(4): 580-5.

Inflammatory polyps are non-cancerous masses that develop in the nasopharynx, auditory tube, or middle ear. They are typically visualized within the ear canal or the pharynx. Most common in young cats, they are part of the differential diagnosis for upper respiratory tract signs and otitis. Clinical signs include nasal or otic discharge, swallowing difficulties, head tilt, nystagmus, sneezing, and Horner's syndrome. Treatment options include traction avulsion, and either lateral or ventral bulla osteotomy (VBO). Many authorities consider VBO to be the treatment of choice. Reported complications include Horner's syndrome, nerve deficits, damage to vascular tissues, and auditory damage. To date, information on how these masses affect hearing in cats and whether VBO can affect hearing has not been published. In this prospective case series, 17 cats met full inclusion criteria, and long term follow was available for 15 cats. Using BAER, 6 cats had deafness prior to surgery. No cat experienced a change in presurgical auditory status. Cats with deafness prior to surgery did not regain auditory function. In the immediate post-operative period, 11 cats developed short term Horner's syndrome. Polyp regrowth occurred in 1 cat. The authors conclude that VBO is unlikely to affect hearing in cats, and long term adverse effects, including polyp regrowth, are uncommon.
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Kudnig, S. T. (2002). "Nasopharyngeal polyps in cats." Clin Tech Small Anim Pract 17(4): 174-7.
>> PubMed Abstract

Esterline, M., M. Radlinsky, et al. (2005). "Endoscopic removal of nasal polyps in a cat using a novel approach." J Fel Med Surg 7(2): 121-124.
>> PubMed Abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More