Title: Corneal dystrophies in dogs

{{About|corneal dystrophy in dogs|the disease in humans|Corneal dystrophy}}
[[Image:Corneal dystrophy 2.JPG|thumb|Corneal dystrophy in a dog]]
'''Corneal dystrophies''' are a group of diseases that affect the [[cornea]] in dogs.&lt;ref name=&quot;Esson 2015&quot;&gt;{{cite book|last1=Esson|first1=DW|title=Clinical Atlas of Canine and Feline Ophthalmic Disease|date=2015|publisher=John Wiley &amp; Sons|isbn=9781118841044|page=114|chapter=Chapter 54: Corneal dystrophy}}&lt;/ref&gt;

==Treatment==
Corneal dystrophy in dogs usually does not cause any problems and treatment is not required.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite web | last = Sapienza | first = John S. | title = Corneal Diseases of Dogs and Cats | work = Proceedings of the 27th World Congress of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association | year = 2002 | url = http://www.vin.com/proceedings/Proceedings.plx?CID=WSAVA2002&amp;PID=2647 | accessdate = 2007-03-04 }}&lt;/ref&gt;
Suboptimal vision caused by corneal dystrophy usually requires surgical intervention in the form of [[corneal transplantation]]. [[Penetrating keratoplasty]] is commonly performed for extensive corneal dystrophy.

==Corneal endothelial dystrophy==
Corneal endothelial dystrophy is an age-related change that affects the inner layer of the corneal, the [[Corneal endothelium|endothelium]].  Leakage of fluid into the cornea causes [[edema]], causing a bluish appearance.  This will eventually involve the whole cornea.  [[Bullous keratopathy]] ([[blister]]s in the cornea) may also form, leading to nonhealing and recurrent corneal ulceration.  [[Hyperosmotic]] agents are sometimes used topically for treatment, but success with these medications is inconsistent and can cause irritation.  Bad cases may require a [[corneal transplant]] or [[thermokeratoplasty]], which is a grid of superficial burns to the cornea that causes anterior stromal fibers to contract and prevent fluid uptake by the stroma.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite journal |vauthors=Michau T, Gilger B, Maggio F, Davidson M |title=Use of thermokeratoplasty for treatment of ulcerative keratitis and bullous keratopathy secondary to corneal endothelial disease in dogs: 13 cases (1994–2001) |journal=J Am Vet Med Assoc |volume=222 |issue=5 |pages=607–12 |year=2003 |pmid=12619840 |doi=10.2460/javma.2003.222.607|doi-access=free }}&lt;/ref&gt;  The most commonly affected breeds are the [[Boston Terrier]], [[Chihuahua (dog)|Chihuahua]], and [[Dachshund]].&lt;ref name=Gelatt_1999/&gt;  The age of onset in the Boston is five to nine years and eight to thirteen years in the Chihuahua and Dachshund.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite web | last = Bjerk | first = Ellen | title = Ocular Disease of the Aging Dog | work = Proceedings of the 29th World Congress of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association | year = 2004 | url = http://www.vin.com/proceedings/Proceedings.plx?CID=WSAVA2004&amp;PID=8721&amp;O=Generic | accessdate = 2007-03-04 }}&lt;/ref&gt;  The disease is similar to [[Fuchs' dystrophy]] in humans.

==Commonly affected breeds==
Many breeds are affected by corneal dystrophy with many different appearances.  These breeds most commonly have these criteria.&lt;ref name=Gelatt_1999&gt;{{cite book|editor=Gelatt, Kirk N.|title=Veterinary Ophthalmology|edition=3rd|publisher=Lippincott, Williams &amp; Wilkins|year=1999|isbn=0-683-30076-8}}&lt;/ref&gt;
*[[Afghan Hound]]
*[[Airedale Terrier]] - occurs at 4 to 12 months of age in the central cornea.  It is progressive and can cause decreased vision.
*[[Alaskan Malamute]] - occurs at greater than two years of age in the central cornea.
*[[Beagle]] – has a nebular, race track, or arcing appearance.
*[[Bearded Collie]] – occurs at greater than one year of age in the lateral or central cornea and can affect just one eye.
*[[Bichon Frise]] – occurs at greater than two years of age in the inferior or central cornea.
*[[Boxer (dog)|Boxer]] – occurs at greater than two years in the central cornea
*[[Cavalier King Charles Spaniel]] – occurs at two to four years of age in the central cornea.
*[[American Cocker Spaniel]]
*[[Rough Collie]] – occurs at one to four years of age in the inferior or central cornea.
*[[English Toy Spaniel]] – occurs at two to five years of age and has a crystalline, circular appearance.
*[[German Shepherd Dog]] – occurs at one to six years of age and is usually oval.
*[[Golden Retriever]]  – occurs at less than two years of age and can be progressive.
*[[Italian Greyhound]] – occurs in young dogs and is focal.
*[[Lhasa Apso]] – oval appearance.
*[[English Mastiff|Mastiff]] – oval appearance.
*[[Miniature Pinscher]] – occurs at one to two years of age and is oval.
*[[Norwich Terrier]] – peripheral cornea.
*[[Pembroke Welsh Corgi]] – occurs in young dogs and can include blood vessels and pigmentation.
*[[Pointer (dog)|Pointer]] – gray, hazy ring.
*[[Poodle]] – occurs at greater than one year of age.
*[[Samoyed (dog)|Samoyed]] – occurs at six months to two years of age and is gray and round.
*[[Shetland Sheepdog]] – occurs at two to four years of age as multiple gray/white rings.  It can develop into a [[corneal ulcer]].
*[[Siberian Husky]] – occurs at five months to two years of age and is gray and oval.
*[[Weimaraner]] – occurs at one to eight years of age in the central cornea.
*[[Whippet]] – occurs at three to five years of age in the central cornea.

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Corneal dystrophies in dogs}}
[[Category:Dog diseases]]