Breed distribution of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects in UK dogs

This study aimed to assess the risk of bilateral disease in dogs affected by spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs) and identify any recent changes in the distribution of breeds affected.

Medical records of dogs assessed at a single ophthalmic centre for the management of SCCEDs between 2007 and 2020 were reviewed, and clinical data were extracted.

Three hundred and seven dogs met the inclusion criteria. Boxers (129 dogs), Staffordshire Bull Terriers (37 dogs) and French Bulldogs (20 dogs) were most frequently affected. Overall, the median age at presentation was 8 years (range 1-15 years), but French Bulldogs had a younger median age of 6 years. Boxers, French Bulldogs and Staffordshire Bull Terriers showed higher odds of bilateral ulceration (odds ratio 1.79, 1.65 and 1.64, respectively) compared to the overall study population. The median time between presentations when both eyes were affected was 4 months (range 0-42 months). There was a statistically significant increase in French Bulldogs, a reduction in Boxers and a stable number of Staffordshire Bull Terriers treated for this condition. However, as the effective sample size from each individual breed was small, further studies would be beneficial to confirm these findings.

The results from this study suggest a shift in breed distribution. The risk of bilateral disease is higher in the three breeds reported here, and owners should be counselled appropriately at the initial examination.