The lens of the eye is clear and is located behind the pupil. The job of the lens is to focus light into the retina. When the lens becomes unhealthy, it turns white or opaque. Cataracts are generally considered a common old age change, but a juvenile form also occurs. Juvenile cataracts are inherited and are not usually present at birth, although this condition can present itself at any age- months to years.
Juvenile cataracts affect different areas of the lens depending upon the breed of dog.
They do not always result in the lens becoming completely opaque. Complete cataracts result in blindness that can only be corrected by cataract surgery. Yearly CERF examinations are an important tool in diagnosing this condition. Proper treatment can be hastened by early diagnosis. Also known as lion jaw, it is a non-cancerous bone proliferation occurring mainly on the lower jaw, maxilla and, on occasion, the long bones of the legs.