|
Seeing this statement on the CERF form
for your Bichon Frise is alarming: “punctate cataracts,
significance unknown”. The dog will pass the CERF exam but the CERF
form will state “breeders option”. What does this mean to Bichon
breeders?
Since 1991 the incidence of “punctate
cataracts, significance unknown”, has ranged from 4% to 6%, but
increased to 9% in 2007.
The definition of a cataract is an
opacity (lacking transparency) that appears on the lens of the eye.
For clear vision the lens must remain transparent in order to
refract light to be focused on the retina. Any blemish or a tiny
dot is defined as a cataract, which can only be visualized by an
ophthalmologist with specialized equipment. Punctate is defined as
a dot. In very rare situations a dog can be born with this blemish
on the lens, or it can be caused by trauma, infection, inflammation,
or exposure to toxins.
Because the outcome of this cataract is
difficult to determine, it is called “significance unknown”.
Therefore, a punctate cataract is a tiny dot on the lens that is
unlikely to progress to a true genetic juvenile cataract, however
the cataract must be monitored for progression. If in doubt, the
prudent approach is to assume that the cataract is inherited. If it
progresses (grows in size), it is diagnosed as a genetic cataract.
Three factors help determine the
significance of punctate cataracts:
1.
If this dot is on the
front of the lens, it is even more unlikely to progress to a genetic
cataract because the Bichon genetic cataracts primarily develop on
the back of the lens.
2.
If this dot does not
progress in size over time, genetic cataracts can be ruled out.
3.
If this dot is only
present in one eye, it is unlikely to be a genetic cataract, which
most often develop in both eyes.
Breeding Advice: “Breeder option”
on the CERF form means caution is advised. If the punctate cataract
has not grown in size over a period of at least one year and is
present on the front of the lens, Bichon genetic cataracts can be
ruled out and breeding is allowed after a discussion with the
ophthalmologist.
|
