Retinoschisis: a retrospective study of an uncommon retinal change in cats and dogs

Retinoschisis is a poorly documented form of retinal degeneration characterized by cyst-like splitting that occurs between the inner nuclear and outer plexiform layers. The pathogenesis of retinoschisis is incompletely understood, but congenital, acquired and secondary aetiologies (glaucoma, inflammation, neoplasia) are described in humans. This retrospective study investigated the prevalence and associated histological and clinical features of retinoschisis in cats and dogs submitted for biopsy over a 10-year period. Of 140 samples with documented ‘retinal vacuolation’, four out of 120 (3%) canine samples and one out of 20 (5%) feline samples had changes consistent with retinoschisis. In most cases (80%), there was concurrent retinal detachment. In cases with available histories, increased intraocular pressure, proptosis and retinal detachment were reported clinical findings. In cats and dogs, retinoschisis is a retinal change that is generally secondary to other ocular lesions.