#Dog unequal pupil size registration#

Published research indicating inheritance.

In order to get on a breed’s specific list the disease must meet several criteria: Several dozen additional breeds do not have such lists due to lack of data, in many cases because the breed is rare. The Progressive Rod Cone Degeneration (prcd) form of PRA is present in Aussies.ĪCVO’s genetics committee has developed a list of inherited disorders specifically for Australian Shepherds, as well as for many other breeds. The possibility of autoimmune disease should be investigated in any Aussie that is diagnosed with glaucoma. Glaucoma is also quite rare, but it can be secondary to some autoimmune problems which are not. Retinal dysplasia and persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous are very rare in the breed and most breeders will never encounter them or know of an Aussie breeder who did. Optic nerve coloboma is one of the CEA defects, as is retinal detachment. Lens luxation or subluxation is not uncommon in homozygous (double) merles, but very rare otherwise. Some but not all of these are a concern for Australian Shepherd breeders.

Persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous.

Retinal dysplasia (geographic or detached).

Cataracts (intermediate or diffuse, with some exceptions).

The following defects will result in “No Breeding” advice in any breed of dog: Intermediate or diffuse cataracts would be an example of a “No Breeding” condition while punctate cataracts fall under “Breeder Option.” (This specific situation will be discussed in greater detail later.) Something that may be inherited but doesn’t cause significant reduction in the dog’s vision may be classed as “Breeder Option,” meaning the breeder is put on notice that this condition is or may be inherited but it is her call as to whether to breed the dog or not. If a dog has a condition that meets these criteria, ACVO vets will advise the owner not to breed it.

#Dog unequal pupil size registration#

Registration of the findings of cooperating ACVO vets and the issuance of certificates in North America is the domain of the Canine Eye Research Foundation (CERF) or the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).ĪCVO’s breeding advice is based on either or both of two criteria: Severity of the condition and strong evidence that it is inherited. Though we commonly refer to getting “eye certification,” ACVO states that their diplomates (vets who have passed the board exam) do not “certify” or “register” dogs, but give breeding advice. The ACVO maintains a list of diseases known or suspected to be inherited in dogs. ACVO has a genetics committee which keeps screening criteria up-to-date with current knowledge of canine inherited eye disease. A vet who is not board certified should not be relied upon for screening exams or specialized treatment of eye disease. ACVO certifies veterinary ophthalmologists in North America. The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) sets the criteria for examination. How do the vets decide what passes and what doesn’t? How come if it’s OK in another breed it isn’t in Aussies or vice versa? We know something about what diseases we need to watch out for. We learn that eyes need to be checked not once, but many times throughout a dog’s life. May 2013Įvery serious breeder of Australian Shepherds soon learns that inherited eye disease is a major concern.

Understanding the ACVO eye sceening programįirst published in the Australian Shepherd Journal, Sep-Oct 2002, Rev.