Biometry and clinical characteristics of congenital cataracts and microphthalmia in the Miniature Schnauzer.
Forty-two Miniature Schnauzer pups and adults with congenital cataracts and microphthalmia were evaluated by serial ophthalmic examinations, slit lamp biomicroscopic photography, and A-scan ultrasonography. The cataracts were evident when the eyelids opened at 2 weeks, affecting predominantly the lens nucleus and posterior cortex. Lenticonus was evident in 19% of the cataractous lenses. Progression of the cataracts was variable and related to involvement of the equatorial and posterior cortices. Lens-induced uveitis developed in some adult dogs with advanced hypermature cataracts. The globe and lens were smaller than normal in the cataractous eyes, as ascertained by A-scan ultrasonography. Age-matched comparisons of clear lens carrier Miniature Schnauzers and normal Beagles with the cataractous Miniature Schnauzers indicated affected globes and cataractous lenses were reduced 10% to 20% in their anteroposterior lengths. The microphthalmia appeared related to the congenital microphakic cataract.
D000818:Animals; D001699:Biometry; D002386:Cataract / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000151:congenital* / Q000175:diagnosis; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D008850:Microphthalmos / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*