Corneal dystrophies in dogs
Corneal dystrophies are a group of diseases that affect the cornea in dogs. Treatment. Corneal dystrophy in dogs usually does not cause any problems and treatment is not required. 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 endothelium. Leakage of fluid into the cornea causes edema, causing a bluish appearance. This will eventually involve the whole cornea. Bullous keratopathy  (blisters 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. The most commonly affected breeds are the Boston Terrier, Chihuahua, and Dachshund. The age of onset in the Boston is five to nine years and eight to thirteen years in the Chihuahua and Dachshund . 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.