Punctate Cataracts in Dogs

Punctate cataracts can affect young dogs and progress through life, leading to blindness.

Cataracts affect both humans and dogs similarly in old age. It is described by the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) as being a partially or completely opaque lens or lens capsule that could cause blindness if found in both eyes. There are many potential causes for this type of disease, and when genetics plays a part, it could negatively affect dog breeders who wish to breed or sell their dogs. Punctate cataracts are partial cataracts, often caused by inheritance, that can progress through time.

Identification

A punctate cataract is a partial cataract, with spotty opacity along the lens or lens capsule of the eye. If it is genetic, it is usually progressive, and can show up early in the dog's life. It should be monitored to see if it is progressing.

Causes

Most cataracts in dogs are caused by old age. Dogs who are younger than 8 years old usually acquire them genetically or through trauma. Other causes can include inflammation of the eye, diabetes mellitus, some nutritional deficiencies, or birth defects.

Genetics

Punctate cataracts are usually assumed to be genetic unless another cause, such as trauma, is known. Veterinarians will usually suggest that you do not breed the affected dog, because the disease will likely be passed on to the offspring. It could cause damage to the eye or blindness if it progresses over time.

CERF Exam

A CERF exam is used by veterinarians and breeders to track genetic eye diseases in dogs. Breeders will have their dogs pass this test before they sell or breed a dog so that heritable diseases do not continue through their line of dogs. The exam will check on punctate cataracts and will monitor them throughout the progression.

Dogs with punctate cataracts will usually pass a CERF exam for their eyes, meaning the examiners do not know the significance of the cataract and the dog likely will have to be rechecked in six months to a year to see if there is any progression, unless a cause other than genetics is known by the veterinarian to be the cause of the punctate cataract.

Treatment

Cataract surgery is usually done only on dogs with blindness from a complete cataract. Punctate cataracts usually don't cause blindness unless they progress. The surgery can remove the lens, and the dog must be under general anesthesia.

References

• CERF News: CATARACTS- A Common Ocular Disease In Dogs
• Chosen at Tara: German Pinscher Health
• Animal Eye Specialists: Eye Certification Examination or CERF