Three hundred and three dogs with cataracts seen in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the most common canine breeds affected with cataracts in Rio de Janeiro.


METHODS
Three hundred and three dogs were included in this retrospective study. Animal ages ranged from 6 months to 14.8 years.


METHODS
All records of dogs seen by the Ophthalmology Service of Policlínica Veterinária Botafogo between January 2005 and June 2008 were reviewed. Animals with cataracts were separated, and breed and age were evaluated.


RESULTS
Most of the dogs presented with cataracts were Toy Poodles with a mean age of 8.2 years, followed by Cocker Spaniels and Bichon Frises. The percentage of Toy Poodles affected with cataracts was 13.8% while 33.3% of Bichon Frise was diagnosed with cataracts.


CONCLUSIONS
Toy Poodles are a popular breed in Rio de Janeiro. Without regulations on breeding, the prevalence of cataracts may increase rapidly. Furthermore, due to the relatively late onset of cataract formation in the Toy Poodle (mean 8.2 years of age), affected animals may have produced several litters of puppies. This study emphasizes the importance of screening for the presence of inherited ocular abnormalities such as cataracts prior to breeding.
Baumworcel
Natasha
N
Ophthalmology Service of HUVET - UFF, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 24230-321, Brazil.
Soares
Ana M B
AM
Helms
Gustavo
G
Rei
Paulo R L
PR
Castro
Maria Cristina N
MC
D000818:Animals; D001938:Brazil; D002386:Cataract / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D004285:Dogs; D010375:Pedigree; D012189:Retrospective Studies