Prevalence of Ophthalmic Diseases in A Population of Maine Coon Cats in Italy, With A Focus on Primary Inferolateral Lower Eyelid Entropion: A Retrospective Study (2014–2024)

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of ophthalmic diseases in a population of Maine Coons in Italy and compare the prevalence of primary inferolateral lower eyelid entropion with that in other feline breeds. ANIMALS STUDIED: One hundred and sixty-one Maine Coons were examined for ophthalmic diseases. PROCEDURES: Medical records from two ophthalmology referral centers over an 11-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Cats of other breeds examined during the same period served as controls for the analysis of primary inferolateral lower eyelid entropion. Odds ratios assessed its association with breed. RESULTS: The most frequently observed abnormalities in Maine Coons were primary inferolateral lower eyelid entropion (52.2%), keratoconjunctivitis of presumed viral origin and its sequelae (23.6%), iris pigmentation (6.8%), and primary cataracts (6.2%). Among 4375 non-Maine Coon cats, 122 (2.8%) had primary inferolateral lower eyelid entropion, of which 69.7% were Domestic Shorthairs. Primary inferolateral lower eyelid entropion was significantly more prevalent in Maine Coons than in all non-Maine Coon cats (OR = 38.0, 95% CI = 26.6-54.4; p < 0.0001) and Domestic Shorthairs (OR = 40.1, 95% CI = 27.5-58.4; p < 0.0001). Affected Maine Coons were significantly younger than affected non-Maine Coon cats and Domestic Shorthairs (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Primary inferolateral lower eyelid entropion was the predominant ophthalmic abnormality in Maine Coons. Its high prevalence and occurrence in young cats suggest a potential breed predisposition.