Complex Microphthalmia in Three Central Asian Shepherd Dogs

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Ophthalmology
• Canine Genetics

Background:

• Congenital eye malformations are rare, with limited documentation in specific dog breeds.
• This report focuses on Central Asian Shepherd dogs, a breed with no prior evidence of such conditions.

Observation:

• Three 2-month-old female puppies presented with bilateral, sunken, and small eyes.
• Ophthalmological examination revealed abnormalities consistent with microphthalmia.

Findings:

• Ultrasonography showed increased lens thickness and decreased axial globe length compared to healthy controls.
• Lenses were abnormally positioned within the vitreous chamber, displaced perpendicularly to their natural axis.

Implications:

• Diagnosed with bilateral complex microphthalmia and congenital ectopia lentis, of unknown etiology.
• Potential links to inbreeding, environmental, and genetic factors suggest the need for selective breeding and pre-breeding screening to mitigate these ocular malformations.