Health Condition

Hereditary Cataracts

A genetic eye disorder causing cloudiness of the lens, leading to impaired vision or blindness.

Detailed Description

Hereditary cataracts in Golden Retrievers are typically bilateral and progressive, often developing in young to middle-aged dogs. They may be congenital or develop later, and can lead to blindness if untreated.

Common Symptoms

cloudy or bluish appearance to the eye
vision impairment

Management Options

surgical removal (phacoemulsification)

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all cataracts hereditary?

No, but hereditary forms are common in Goldens.

Can cataracts be prevented?

Only by selective breeding.

Is surgery always needed?

Only if vision is significantly impaired.

Condition Details

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Typical Age of Onset

Congenital or 1 to 5 years

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Testing Available

Yes

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Diagnosing Methods

slit-lamp biomicroscopy by a veterinary ophthalmologist

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Preventative Measures

breeding only from dogs with clear eye exams

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Related Conditions

nuclear sclerosis, progressive retinal atrophy

Affected Breeds

Golden Retriever

Prevalence: 3% Severity: 3/5

Hereditary cataracts are more common in Golden Retrievers than in many other breeds. Early detection is important for breeding decisions.

Alaskan Malamute

Prevalence: 3% Severity: 3/5

Alaskan Malamutes have a higher prevalence of hereditary cataracts than the all-breed average, with early-onset forms being most concerning.

Australian Shepherd

Prevalence: 12% Severity: 3/5

Australian Shepherds have a higher prevalence of hereditary cataracts, particularly the HSF4 mutation, compared to many other breeds.

Boston Terrier

Prevalence: 10.5% Severity: 4/5

Boston Terriers are a sentinel breed for hereditary cataracts, with a much higher prevalence than average and early onset.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Prevalence: 3.5% Severity: 3/5

Estimated prevalence is 2-5%; slightly higher than average; cloudiness in the lens, especially in young adults, is a typical early sign.

Cocker Spaniel

Prevalence: 18% Severity: 3/5

Cocker Spaniels have one of the highest breed prevalences for hereditary cataracts, with both congenital and adult-onset forms documented.

Finnish Lapphund

Prevalence: 3% Severity: 3/5

Hereditary cataracts are slightly more common in Finnish Lapphunds than in the general canine population, with a prevalence of 2–4%. They may occur independently or as a secondary effect of PRA.

French Bulldog

Prevalence: 2.1% Severity: 3/5

French Bulldogs are predisposed to hereditary cataracts, which can develop early and progress to blindness if untreated.

Havanese

Prevalence: 7% Severity: 4/5

Havanese have a higher than average risk for hereditary cataracts. Subtle vision changes in young adults and cloudiness in one or both eyes are early signs.

Icelandic Sheepdog

Severity: 3/5

Hereditary cataracts are a recognized breed concern in Icelandic Sheepdogs, with both juvenile and adult-onset forms reported. The breed is listed by ACVO as at risk.

Jagdterrier

Severity: 3/5

Hereditary cataracts are documented in Jagdterriers, with early cloudiness in the eyes of young dogs being a notable sign. Prevalence is considered average for terrier breeds.

Labrador Retriever

Prevalence: 1.8% Severity: 3/5

Labradors have a higher than average risk for hereditary cataracts, which can be juvenile or adult onset and may occur with PRA.

Miniature American Shepherd

Prevalence: 8% Severity: 3/5

Hereditary cataracts in MAS are most commonly associated with the HSF4 gene mutation and often develop at a young age, similar to Australian Shepherds.

Miniature Schnauzer

Prevalence: 11% Severity: 3/5

Miniature Schnauzers are predisposed to early-onset hereditary cataracts, with a higher prevalence than most breeds.

Nederlandse Kooikerhondje

Prevalence: 2.5% Severity: 3/5

Hereditary cataracts are more prevalent in the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje than in the general canine population, often presenting in young to middle-aged dogs.

Norfolk Terrier

Prevalence: 5% Severity: 3/5

Hereditary cataracts are documented in Norfolk Terriers, with a slightly higher risk than average for terriers. Early detection is important for vision preservation.

Old English Sheepdog

Prevalence: 6.7% Severity: 3/5

Hereditary cataracts in Old English Sheepdogs often affect the posterior subcapsular region and may appear in young adults.

Siberian Husky

Prevalence: 9% Severity: 3/5

Siberian Huskies have a higher prevalence of hereditary cataracts than the general canine population, with early onset and rapid progression being characteristic.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Prevalence: 6% Severity: 3/5

Staffordshire Bull Terriers have a higher prevalence of hereditary cataracts due to a breed-specific HSF4 gene mutation. Up to 25% may be carriers.

Standard Schnauzer

Prevalence: 5% Severity: 3/5

Standard Schnauzers have a higher prevalence of hereditary cataracts compared to the general canine population, with early onset possible in some lines.

Swedish Lapphund

Prevalence: 2% Severity: 3/5

Hereditary cataracts are documented in Swedish Lapphunds but are less common than PRA; early detection is important for breeding decisions.

Wetterhoun

Severity: 3/5

Hereditary cataracts are a breed concern in Wetterhoun, with higher risk than the general population. Reluctance to work or swim in low light may be an early sign.

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