Between the epithelium and the endothelium is the thickest layer of the cornea, the stroma . Although the deposits are usually right in the center of the cornea, deposits can occur elsewhere depending on the cause of the degeneration. This dog has a localized cholesterol infiltrate of the cornea. The white arrow shows the cholesterol. Cholesterol is a type of fat or lipid produced by the body.
Many breeds develop corneal dystrophy.
Other breeds and individuals within breeds can develop corneal dystrophy. It is unlikely for corneal dystrophy to result in complete vision loss. It is possible that a small blind spot can develop resulting in slight vision disturbances. Corneal dystrophy is non-painful in most breeds. In the Shetland sheepdog, changes do occur in the cornea and these pets can become quite painful.