Corneal dystrophy in the dog and cat.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Veterinary Medicine
• Genetics

Background:

• Corneal dystrophies are inherited eye conditions affecting dogs and cats.
• These dystrophies manifest in epithelial, stromal, or endothelial layers of the cornea.
• Specific breeds are predisposed to particular types of corneal dystrophy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the different types of corneal dystrophies in dogs and cats.
• To describe the clinical presentation and potential vision impact of each dystrophy type.
• To outline recommended management strategies for canine corneal dystrophies.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on canine and feline corneal dystrophies.
• Classification of dystrophies based on affected corneal layer (epithelial, stromal, endothelial).
• Correlation of dystrophy types with specific breeds and clinical signs.

Main Results:

• Epithelial dystrophies in Boxers and Shetland Sheepdogs can cause corneal erosions, requiring medical therapy.
• Stromal dystrophies involve lipid deposition, rarely causing vision loss, except in Airedale Terriers and Siberian Huskies.
• Endothelial dystrophies vary, with some causing progressive corneal edema and erosions (e.g., Boston Terrier, Chihuahua), while others do not (e.g., American Cocker Spaniel).
• Feline corneal dystrophies are rare but can rapidly progress with edema.

Conclusions:

• Canine corneal dystrophies present diverse clinical signs and prognoses depending on the type and breed.
• Management strategies are tailored to the specific dystrophy, focusing on symptomatic relief for conditions like corneal edema and erosions.
• While some dystrophies have minimal impact on vision, others necessitate monitoring and palliative care to prevent complications.