Unaffected individuals which produce it repeatedly, particularly with multiple mates, should be pulled from breeding. This disease was once at least as common as cataract, if not more so. It seems to have reduced in recent years, probably because the mode of inheritance has been identified. The particular defect observed may differ from eye to eye, but both eyes will be affected. Certainly no later than 8-10 weeks, preferably sooner.
Most affected dogs have functional vision, but some are blind in one or both eyes.
CEA is a simple recessive disorder. All affected animals have two genes for CEA, therefore both of their parents are carriers. Affected animals should not be bred, except when used in test-matings to clear suspected carriers. Carriers should not be used at public stud nor should their puppies be sold for breeding. The resulting offspring should then be test-mated to a CEA affected animal to determine their status.