What is Corneal Dystrophy?
There is sometimes confusion between corneal dystrophy and corneal degradation, which are similar in clinical symptoms, but corneal degradation is not thought to be genetic. Many breeds are affected by corneal dystrophy. Unfortunately, the condition appears to affect each breed differently. In all dogs, corneal dystrophy is caused by a genetic disturbance in how fat is metabolized. The result is a white or gray clouding of the eye. It generally starts in one eye but always affects both. In most breeds, it does not cause discomfort or blindness. In a smaller list of breeds the disorder is more progressive and can lead to more severe complications.
Corneal dystrophy refers to the clouding of the cornea from an inherited condition.
Symptoms of Corneal Dystrophy in Dogs
At the onset, corneal dystrophy usually appears as a white or grayish round “cloud” at the center of the eye. If ulcers are present the dog may give signs of irritated eyes, rubbing, and itching. The spots are usually round but sometimes donut shaped. Symptoms vary widely between breeds. The affliction can seemingly appear at any age,in as little as four months in Airedale Terriers and as late as thirteen years in Chihuahuas. In some breeds, the trait is thought to be sex linked.
- White or grayish cloud in the center of the eye
- Irritated eyes
Types
There are many types of corneal disease and degradation. However, corneal dystrophy itself has not been further classified. Dogs affected with a slower, less severe version of corneal dystrophy are often:
- Siberian Husky
- Samoyed
- Cocker Spaniel
- Beagle
- German Shepherd
- Pointer
- Bichon Frise
- Poodle
Dogs who experience a more aggressive version of corneal dystrophy are often:
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Airedale Terrier
- Boston Terrier
- Dachshund
- Chihuahua
Causes of Corneal Dystrophy in Dogs
Corneal dystrophy is an inherited condition affecting the ability of the cells to process fat. It is an autosomal recessive trait, meaning both the dam and the sire must carry the gene in order for the puppy to be affected, at least in some breeds. In other breeds, the mode of inheritance appears to be sex-linked. In still other breeds, the mode of inheritance has not been identified.
Diagnosis of Corneal Dystrophy in Dogs
Diagnosis is made from the observation of the lesion. This can be done by the use of a fluorescein dye which may clearly define the problem. Further testing of the eye may include intraocular pressure and tear test. Blood work is often done to verify markers in the blood consistent with this condition, such as cholesterol. An eye specialist may be brought on board by your veterinarian to rule out other corneal diseases or degradation.
Treatment of Corneal Dystrophy in Dogs
In most cases, treatment is not needed. If the condition does not progress rapidly, cause the dog discomfort, or affect vision, often the best course is to leave the eye alone. Your dog may notice the spot on his eye for a while but his brain will train him to see past it without annoyance much like your brain will do the same for you.
Because the condition has to do with the process of fat, sometimes a low fat, high fiber diet is recommended. There is some disagreement among researchers as to whether or not a low-fat diet is effective. The general consensus is that the fat should be lower than 10% in dry matter (kibble) and adherence in all foods and treats is needed to see results.
Sometimes in cases of corneal dystrophy a topical acid treatment (TCA) may be recommended. This treatment may be done once or more times to aid in comfort. It helps to dissolve the mineral deposits that leads to ulcers.
In severe cases of corneal dystrophy, surgery to remove the mineral deposits can be recommended. As with any surgery, complications can arise. At times, scar tissue remains where the mineral deposits were. Other more severe complications can lead to rupture of the eye or retinal detachment. Although complications are rare, some can lead to blindness. Because corneal dystrophy sometimes is associated with Cushing’s disease, testing for that should be done after diagnosis.
Recovery of Corneal Dystrophy in Dogs
There is no real recovery from corneal dystrophy. Management, unfortunately, depends on the severity of the case. Most cases do not lead to severe discomfort for the dog and they can lead a normal life. There is currently no certification required of breeders to prove dogs in their breeding program do not possess the inherited gene. Unfortunately, because some dogs do not develop the affliction until later in life, it can be difficult to remove them from a breeding program before they have been bred many times, possibly affecting many dogs.
Corneal Dystrophy Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Has Symptoms
Hi, I have a mixed breed, a bishon and terrier mix. He's now fourteen. Blood work from a few years back has showed him to cholesterol and triglycerides. He has developed a sensitivity when looking at bright objects, and will flinch when a shadow crosses his path. I am ordering him some high quality goggles, and have been applying castor oil to his eyes, thinking this is a cataract issue. However his eyes are not turning the typical white of cataracts, and look rather similar to the ones pictures with corneal dystrophy, just a whitish tint to the center of the eye.
He is very terrified of vets, and I hesitate to put him thru that trauma, esp if there is nothing to be done. He is not in pain and the only symptom is this flinching form bright lights. What do you think? Should I take him in To an ophthalmologist even though this will cause him so much distress? Leave it alone and adjust our activities to when the sun is not out? Will our regular vet be able to diagnose something like this or do we need an ophthalmologist?
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Hi, I have a pet Pointer male dog. He have some white small spots on his left eye. and having white line on his right eye.
I have noticed that he have watery eye lids. Is this Coneal Dystrophy????
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Corneal dystrophy is more diffuse clouding of the cornea, more probable is a corneal ulcer; either way you would need to visit your Veterinarian to confirm, they will put some drops of fluorescein stain in Shino’s eyes and ulcers will show up as being green if present. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
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Has Symptoms
I have a 2.5 year old Shiba Inu with a grey cloudy spot in the Center of his right eye, which is very superficial but isn’t raised at all (can’t be seen from a lateral view). My vet thinks it might be Pannus but quite unsure. She perscribed eye drops that would help shrink the spot if it were in fact this condition but isn’t responding to them. I contacted the breeder who has never seen this condition in a shiba before. There doesn’t seem to be any pain, discomfort, redness or discharge associated and appears his vision isn’t overly affected if at all. However the dye test was negative for any cell disturbance. Can corneal dystrophy occur strictly beneath the cornea and not show and lesions on a dye test? From my own research I think it is possibly lipidosis corneal dystrophy, it is the only condition I have found that looks remotely similar to the spot on his eye. I am hoping for any suggestions or information I can bring to our follow up appointment in about a weeks time.
Thank you.
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I have a puppy who has the entire cornea in one eye very cloudy with a blue cast. It was like that from the time he opened his eyes. The eye functions normally as far as moving, blinking, there is no swelling, redness or discharge, it does not bother him at all. Is this corneal dystrophy?
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