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Corneal Degeneration (Dystrophy) In Dogs:
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Corneal Dystrophy In Dogs:
Corneal Dystrophy refers to a condition in which deposits of cholesterol appear on your dog's cornea. You can usually find these deposits at the cornea's center, but they can also occur elsewhere depending on the source of the condition. Corneal Dystrophy is an inherited condition, not to be confused with Corneal Degeneration, which is a similar condition but not hereditary.
Corneal Dystrophy refers to a condition in which deposits of cholesterol appear on your dog's cornea. You can usually find these deposits at the cornea's center, but they can also occur elsewhere depending on the source of the condition. Corneal Dystrophy is an inherited condition, not to be confused with Corneal Degeneration, which is a similar condition but not hereditary.
Above: Obvious Cholesterol Deposits On A Dog's Cornea. (Your Dog May Have Much Smaller Deposits)
What Does Corneal Dystrophy Look Like?
You will see Corneal Dystrophy in your dog as crystalline deposits directly on the cornea, that appear white or gray in color (they may be deposited on one of the three layers of the cornea, but you won't be able to tell exactly which one). The deposits may be oval or donut shaped.
You will see Corneal Dystrophy in your dog as crystalline deposits directly on the cornea, that appear white or gray in color (they may be deposited on one of the three layers of the cornea, but you won't be able to tell exactly which one). The deposits may be oval or donut shaped.
What Dog Breeds Are Affected By Corneal Dystrophy?
Breeds that are affected include the German Shepherd, Cocker Spaniel, Samoyeds, Bichon Friche, Pointers, Poodles, Airedale Terriers, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, and Siberian Husky.
Will My Dog Go Blind?
In most breeds that suffer from Corneal Dystrophy, the progress of the disease is very slow and may or may not lead to blindness. In the case of Airedale and Boston Terriers, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, and Siberian Husky's, the condition can progress much quicker and there is a good chance the dog will eventually lose his/her sight.
How Is Corneal Dystrophy Treated?
There is no known medication that will "dissolve" the deposits. The deposits can be removed surgically to restore the normal sight of the dog but unfortunately, the deposits usually return once the cornea is healed.
Breeds that are affected include the German Shepherd, Cocker Spaniel, Samoyeds, Bichon Friche, Pointers, Poodles, Airedale Terriers, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, and Siberian Husky.
Will My Dog Go Blind?
In most breeds that suffer from Corneal Dystrophy, the progress of the disease is very slow and may or may not lead to blindness. In the case of Airedale and Boston Terriers, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, and Siberian Husky's, the condition can progress much quicker and there is a good chance the dog will eventually lose his/her sight.
How Is Corneal Dystrophy Treated?
There is no known medication that will "dissolve" the deposits. The deposits can be removed surgically to restore the normal sight of the dog but unfortunately, the deposits usually return once the cornea is healed.