A Retrospective Study of Corneal Endothelial Dystrophy in Dogs (1991-2014)
Brian C Leonard1, Celine S Kermanian1, Sarah R Michalak1
1Departments of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA; and Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA; and.
Cornea
|September 18, 2020
Summary
Corneal endothelial dystrophy (CED) in dogs is often progressive over months to years. Certain breeds and older dogs are at higher risk, highlighting potential genetic factors for this canine eye condition.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Ophthalmology
- Canine Genetics
- Ocular Pathology
Background:
- Corneal endothelial dystrophy (CED) is a condition affecting the inner layer of the cornea in dogs.
- Understanding risk factors and disease progression is crucial for effective management and research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate clinical data, diagnostic tests, treatments, and outcomes for dogs with CED.
- To identify risk factors for CED by comparing affected dogs with a general canine population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for 99 dogs diagnosed with CED (1991-2014).
- Comparison with a reference population of 458,680 dogs from the same hospital.
- Statistical analysis using exact Pearson χ2 or Kruskal-Wallis tests.
- Assessment of corneal edema progression using Kaplan-Meier curves.
Main Results:
- Boston terriers, German wirehaired pointers, and Dachshunds were overrepresented in the CED group.
- Older dogs (>11 years) were overrepresented; intact dogs were underrepresented.
- Median time to edema progression varied from 340 to 701 days depending on the stage and type of progression.
Conclusions:
- Many dogs with CED experience gradual progression of corneal edema over months to years.
- CED in dogs serves as a valuable model for studying genetic predispositions and developing new treatments for Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy.
