Vitreous degeneration and associated ocular abnormalities in the dog

Abstract

Objective To identify the frequency of vitreous degeneration and its association with ocular comorbidities including cataracts, lens luxation, glaucoma, and retinal detachment. Methods This is a retrospective study of 4217 dogs from the Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER) that underwent breed screening ophthalmic examinations between 2013 and 2016. The breeds analyzed included the Italian Greyhound, Shih Tzu, Affenpinscher, Bichon Frise, Brussels Griffon, Whippets, and Greyhound. Data collected from CAER included age, gender, number of examinations, and whether vitreous degeneration, along with cataracts, lens luxation, glaucoma and/or retinal detachment were present in either or both eyes. Results The study found that breed and age are significant drivers for developing VD. Italian Greyhounds, Brussels Griffons, and Shih Tzus have a significantly higher likelihood of VD compared to the negative control breed, the Greyhound. Additionally, with every 1‐year age increase, there is a 24% higher likelihood of developing VD. However, no association was identified between vitreous degeneration and cataracts, lens luxation, glaucoma, or retinal detachment. Conclusions While the study found that breed and age were significant drivers for developing VD, no association was found between VD and the other ocular comorbidities examined.

Ultrasonographic Ocular Biometry for the Diagnosis of Ophthalmic Disorders in Dogs

“…The former which was due to accumulation of calciumphospholipid complexes in the vitreous chamber could be seen as mobile with relation to the eye ball as observed by Labrueyre et al, (2007) andValetini et al, (2010). This was an age related vitreous degeneration as reported by Krishnan et al, (2020). Synchysis scintillans appeared like glistening structures with snow flurry appearance due to presence of cholesterol particles in liquefied vitreous as reported by Boeve and Stades (2007).…”

Long‐term evaluation of the effects of vitreous degeneration on cataracts and retinal detachment in dogs

“…In addition, cataracts were more likely to occur in severe vitreous degeneration than in mild degeneration. The results of this study were similar to those of the study by Park et al, 9 which showed a positive correlation between cataract stages and severity of vitreous degeneration on ultrasonography, and were contrary to those of the study by Krishnan et al, 10 which revealed no association between vitreous degeneration and other ophthalmic diseases. It is presumed that the difference in results between our and Krishnan et al's study was due to the difference in samples.…”

“…To the best of our knowledge, no study has reported that vitreous degeneration causes nuclear cataracts. Moreover, two recent studies reported contradictory findings on the association between vitreous degeneration and cataracts 9,10 …”

“…Previous studies have compared vitreous degeneration and other ophthalmic diseases 9,10 . Recognizing the necessity of long‐term follow‐up examination of the vitreous body, we tracked dogs with different levels of vitreous degeneration for several years.…”

Whole genome sequencing identifies a homozygous nonsense mutation in the JPH2 gene in Shih Tzu dogs with progressive retinal atrophy

“…Moreover, in humans, there are over 200 genes identified as causing retinal disorders. Progressive retinal atrophy and other ocular co-morbidities in Shih Tzu have been reported (Christmas 1992;Papaioannou & Dubielzig 2013;Krishnan et al 2020); however, the causative gene for PRA has not been identified in this dog breed.…”