Corneal dystrophy in a dog

Corneal dystrophies are a group of diseases that affect the cornea in dogs.[1]

Treatment

Corneal dystrophy in dogs usually does not cause any problems and treatment is not required.[2] Suboptimal vision caused by corneal dystrophy usually requires surgical intervention in the form of corneal transplantation. Penetrating keratoplasty is commonly performed for extensive corneal dystrophy.

Corneal endothelial dystrophy

Corneal endothelial dystrophy is an age-related change that affects the inner layer of the corneal, the endothelium. Leakage of fluid into the cornea causes edema, causing a bluish appearance. This will eventually involve the whole cornea. Bullous keratopathy (blisters in the cornea) may also form, leading to nonhealing and recurrent corneal ulceration. Hyperosmotic agents are sometimes used topically for treatment, but success with these medications is inconsistent and can cause irritation. Bad cases may require a corneal transplant or thermokeratoplasty, which is a grid of superficial burns to the cornea that causes anterior stromal fibers to contract and prevent fluid uptake by the stroma.[3] The most commonly affected breeds are the Boston Terrier, Chihuahua, and Dachshund.[4] The age of onset in the Boston is five to nine years and eight to thirteen years in the Chihuahua and Dachshund.[5] The disease is similar to Fuchs' dystrophy in humans.

Commonly affected breeds

Many breeds are affected by corneal dystrophy with many different appearances. These breeds most commonly have these criteria.[4]

References

  1. ^ Esson, DW (2015). "Chapter 54: Corneal dystrophy". Clinical Atlas of Canine and Feline Ophthalmic Disease. John Wiley & Sons. p. 114. ISBN 9781118841044.
  2. ^ Sapienza, John S. (2002). "Corneal Diseases of Dogs and Cats". Proceedings of the 27th World Congress of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. Retrieved 2007-03-04.
  3. ^ Michau T, Gilger B, Maggio F, Davidson M (2003). "Use of thermokeratoplasty for treatment of ulcerative keratitis and bullous keratopathy secondary to corneal endothelial disease in dogs: 13 cases (1994-2001)". J Am Vet Med Assoc. 222 (5): 607–12. doi:10.2460/javma.2003.222.607. PMID 12619840.
  4. ^ a b Gelatt, Kirk N., ed. (1999). Veterinary Ophthalmology (3rd ed.). Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins. ISBN 0-683-30076-8.
  5. ^ Bjerk, Ellen (2004). "Ocular Disease of the Aging Dog". Proceedings of the 29th World Congress of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. Retrieved 2007-03-04.
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