CERF results: cataracts, PPM, and distichia!

corbinam

corbinam

Moderator
One of the members of our agility club (an eye vet) offered to do an eye exam (CERF) on our dogs for free as a going away gift. Of course we took her up on it!

Honestly, I was surprised by the results. I consider both my dogs to be bred by reputable breeders, but both had issues crop up on the exam. It was nothing serious, and I know that breeders can only do so much, but still, I was surprised.

Here are the results:

Lexi's eyes were clear, but she had a little distichia on her lower lid (that means hairs growing in towards the eye). The vet said that they didn't appear to irritate her, but to keep an eye on them as they may have to freeze them off in the future.

Bentley had all kinds of issues. Nothing serious (for now) but things that will need to be monitored. I see more CERF exams in his future.

He has cataracts! They are the embryonic, nuclear kind which means that likely his eyes did not develop correctly in utero. Also, it is likely that they will not progress, but the vet did say that in certain light (bright, I think) that it could affect his vision slightly. She said he sees best at dusk (not sure why). So, we will have to monitor his eyes to make sure that the cataracts don't progress.

He also has PPM, or persistent pupillary membrane. That's also due to something not developing correctly when Bentley was a puppy (or prior to birth). Apparently the membrane is present before the puppy is born and then is absorbed, but sometimes it doesn't absorb completely.


Anyways, I just wanted to share our report and recommend that people have their dogs' eyes checked. I'm glad I did--it will help me in the future in case something happens to either of the dogs. I feel better prepared!
 
The CERF results sheet that we were given by the breeder showed that Mikos was tested at 5 months old and had minor PPM (iris to iris) in his right eye but everything else was fine. I had to look up what PPM was because I had never heard of it. I'm not sure if it is something to keep having tested.
 
How nice of that vet to do that for you. Sorry that she found some problems. Least now you will have these test results if a problem should arise. Very interesting.
 
what a generous going away gift. I'm sorry to hear about the issues though. I gather from the videos it isn't effecting Bentley's agility though. Wishing you a safe journey to your new home.
 
My Maggie had Distichia and I after a year of struggling with plucking them out, I finally found a Vet to do the surgery. She's fine now!!
 
I am sorry you got bad news with the results, but it doesnt sound like it is doing any harm. Tully has collie eye and her sight is better than a sighthound, I would never know anything was wrong except I have the test results. You would be amazed how many humans with 'normal' eyes would come up with similar results if they were eye tested so perhaps thats the same with dogs.
 
Let both breeders know what is going on. That is very important to do.
I personally would be more concerned about Lexi than Bently. Distichia is considered an inherited issue in most cases. It is very crucial that you notify your breeder about this. I know her breeder very well and she would want to know.
Now with Bently... it sounds to me like he just didn't develop good eyes in the womb. That just happens sometimes and there's nothing anybody can do to prevent it.

Before anyone makes judgements. CERF is not a one time thing. You have to have this redone. Eyes on a sire a dam may be beautifully clear, but three years later something pops up. A parent may have clear eyes, but be a carrier for something.... and when matched with a certain sire, or dam that is a carrier, pass it on there offspring. This is why it is important to let your breeder know what has happened Eyes, can be tricky. This is not like the one time thing when you have your OFA's, vWD's, etc., done.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top