[Weak vision and blindness in the dog--a retrospective study]

Clinical-ophthalmological and electroretinographic results were found, compared and evaluated in 73 dogs of 21 different breeds with signs of decreased vision or blindness. Cataracts were found in 51 dogs. In cases of non visible fundus electroretinography is an essential tool for evaluation of the retinal function. Otherwise clinical-ophthalmological examination is a sufficient diagnostic method, except for sudden acquired retinal degeneration (SARD). The pupillary light reflex is an important diagnostic criterion for evaluation of the reflex pathway, but has less importance for diagnosis of visual abilities. These can be examined by vision tests. In English cocker spaniels and miniature and toy poodles with cataracts a significant electroretinographic loss of retinal function was found. In respect to the breed and age of these dogs this functional deficit is recognized as a result of progressive retinal atrophy.