Normative Study of the Full Field Electroretinogram in Cats: a Fast Dark-Adaptation Curve

Purpose:The aim of the present study is to standardize the normal values of each component of the signals that comprise the ERG of normal cats, in accordance with the ISCEV protocol currently recommended in clinical examinations, for its relevance as a diagnosis method to assess retinal function and detect lesions in their outer layers.Methods: Ten healthy domestic cats were used for this study.The ERG was randomly recorded using a Nihon Kohden system.We registered a series of light and dark-adapted ERGs. Results:The mean amplitude of the b wave in photopic conditions with bright white flash is 180,0 μV, while in scotopic environment we found a mean amplitude of 600,0 μV for the b wave, most of which was divided into two components (b1 and b2). Conclusion:The cat ERG has a particular profile, with a fast dark-adaptation response.This normative study will allow the comparison of data recorded by different research groups, and enable a more complete use of the ERG as a tool for future studies on diagnosis and treatments of diseases affecting each retina layer in particular.