Eye Conditions
EYE CONDITIONS
Not tested for genetically, but through examination performed by a Veterinary Ophthalmology Specialist
1. PHPV
PHPV stands for persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous. It describes an abnormal proliferation of the vascular (blood vessel) supply to the posterior region of the lens. This abnormal process occurs during development, while the pup is still in the dam’s uterus.
Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous is another inherited cataract, although it is a much more complex condition and it is much more difficult to tell how it is inherited. During a puppy’s development, certain blood vessels are needed to help develop the eye. In ‘normal’ pups, these blood vessels disappear after they are no longer needed (usually within a few weeks during development) in puppies with PHPV the vessels do not disappear and can cause eye problems.
PHPV is congenital (this means that it will be present at birth) and can be detected in puppies as young as 6 weeks old. The condition is not progressive – this means that once it is detected and manifests itself it will not get worse as the puppy grows older.
Dogs can be affected very mildly or quite severely, and if it is present in a breeding dog, there is no way to know how badly pups will be affected in a litter. If the Dam or Sire has mild PHPV the pups could potentially have a much worse strain of the disease.
Therefore, it is essential to ensure that all breeding dogs are screened for the disease along with HC and L-2-HGA. It is recommended that breeding dogs are tested every 12 months throughout their lives. The routine eye examination not only includes assessment for PHPV and HC but includes an examination of the whole eye. This is important as can catch any early signs of a condition or disease.
References:
http://thesbtc.org.uk/phpvppsc/
2. PPSC – POSTERIOR POLAR SUBCAPSULAR CATARACT
This type of cataract is also found in other breeds, particularly the Labrador and Golden Retriever.
It usually remains as a small, punctuate cataract and doesn’t usually lead to sight problems. This type of cataract cannot be detected through litter screening. The mode of inheritance is unknown and has a variable age of onset. Breeding stock should be tested annually to determine that the dog is certified clear at the time of mating.
Reference Source: http://thesbtc.org.uk/?page_id=104
3. DISTICHIASIS OR DOUBLE EYELASHES
This is not particularly an issue within the Stafford breed; however, it can be easily screened for at the same time as other Eye Conditions and is worth noting.
Distichiasis or double eyelashes occur when eyelashes abnormally arise from unexpected locations on the eyelid or grow in abnormal directions. The severity of the clinical signs varies. Affected dogs may not show any signs at all if the abnormal eyelashes are soft, or they may have irritation of the eye, which causes inflammation, eye discharges, pain, and even ulceration of the cornea.
Reference Source: http://www.dogzone.com/breeds/staffordshire-bull-terrier/
4. ENTROPION
Again, this is not particularly an issue within the Stafford breed; however, it should be noted that dogs with cases of Entropion should be examined by a vet and normally should not be bred from as it is primarily an inherited condition. It is due to an excess of eyelid tissue, or a small eye, or both, the result being that a varying amount of hair-covered eyelid can turn in to rub directly against the cornea or conjunctiva, or both. It is usually extremely painful, and the damage caused to the cornea can render the eye blind.
Most dogs are affected by six months of age and in some the signs of the problem (excessive blinking and a wet face) may be seen within the first month of life. Occasionally the condition is self-correcting as the puppy grows, but in most affected dogs, surgery is necessary to turn the eyelid away from the surface of the eye. Usually such surgery is successful, but it is much better that, as with the other inherited eyelid defects, breeders try to avoid producing this condition in their litters.
Reference Source: https://www.sbtcwa.com.au/hereditary.html
5. ECTROPION
Again, this is not particularly an issue within the Stafford breed; however, it should be noted that dogs with cases of Ectropion should be examined by a vet and normally should not be bred from as it is primarily an inherited condition. Ectropion is a condition in which the lower eyelid droops away from the eyeball to expose the third eyelid and the conjunctiva. Exposure of the delicate mucous membrane causes conjunctivitis.
Correction is possible by complicated surgery in which the eyelid is lifted and shortened. Occasionally further surgery may be necessary to change completely the shape of the eyelids.
Reference Source: https://www.sbtcwa.com.au/hereditary.html
TESTING YOUR STAFFORD FOR EYE CONDITIONS
If you are planning to breed from your Stafford and want to ensure the health of the pups, you can take them to a veterinary eye specialist for an examination.
The examination will identify any issues noted by the specialist and issue a certificate.
The cost is usually around $80 (could be more, or less depending on how many dogs are being checked at the same appointment). However, it may involve travelling to a veterinary eye clinic for the exam to be undertaken.
The certificate will be provided by the specialist at the time of the exam and is valid for 12 months.
Here are the details for the Dogs NZ (NZKC) approved eye specialists:
Dr Peter Collinson
Auckland Animal Eye Centre
Mt Wellington
Auckland, New Zealand
Ph: 09 527-7697
Fax: 09 527-7690
[email protected] www.eyevet.co.nz
Dr Craig Irving
Eyevet Services
Palmerston North
06 357 5887
Based in Palmerston North but has regular clinics around the country.
Dr Kellam Bailey
Veterinary Ophthalmic Services
Silverstream,
Wellington
04 527 7552
[email protected] www.vosvet.co.nz
Dr Steve Heap
McMaster & Heap Veterinary Practice
Christchurch
03 338 2534