Corneal Dystrophy and the
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Corneal dystrophy is a genetic disorder which is relatively common in Cavalier King Charles spaniels. It is the development of gray-white opaque deposits of calcium and fats under the surface of both of the dog's corneas. They usually appear in Cavaliers between the ages of two and four years.
The form of corneal dystrophy most common among CKCSs is epithelial/stromal dystrophy, which describe the gray-white opacity which is visible in the dog's eyes.
All CKCSs should be examined at least annually by a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist. They are listed on this webpage of the website of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO).
Treatment
Corneal dystrophy usually does not affect vision, is not painful, and no treatment is necessary. In an abstract presented to the 2010 WSAVA Congress by Dr. Charlotte Keller, DACVO, DECVO, she suggests that treatment may include the reduction of fat intake.
Breeders' Responsibilities
Currently, the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (C.E.R.F.) does not deny certification to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels which are affected with corneal dystrophy, because the Genetics Committee of the ACVO classifies the disorder as a "breeder option" for CKCSs. However, the Canine Inherited Disorders Database recommends that all dogs suffering from corneal dystrophy not be bred.
Related Links
American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists
Veterinary Resources
Crystalline Stromal Dystrophy in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Crispin SM, Proc Am Coll Vet Ophthalmol 17:18, 1986.
Crystalline corneal dystrophy in the dog. Histochemical and ultrastructural study. Crispin SM. Cornea. 1988;7(2):149-61.
Ocular Disorders Presumed to be Inherited in Purebred Dogs. Genetics Committee, A.C.V.O. 1999.
Control of Canine Genetic Diseases. Padgett, G.A., Howell Book House 1998, pp. 198-199, 239.
Guide to Congenital and Heritable Disorders in Dogs. Dodds WJ, Hall S, Inks K, A.V.A.R., Jan 2004, Section II(65).
Breed Predispositions to Disease in Dogs & Cats. Alex Gough, Alison Thomas. 2004; Blackwell Publ. 44-45.
Ophthalmic Disease in Veterinary Medicine. Martin C.L. Manson Publ. 2005.
Visual Morbidity in Thirty-four Families with Schnyder Crystalline Corneal Dystrophy (An American Ophthalmological Society Thesis). Jayne S. Weiss. Trans Am Ophthalmol Soc. 2007 December; 105: 616–648. Quote: "Crystalline stromal dystrophy is the commonest canine corneal lipid deposition and is relatively common in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel."
Canine Inherited Disorders Database: http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/Diseases/ocular%20disorders/corneal%20dystrophy.htm
The Eye and Systemic Disease. John Mould. 2008 WSAVA Congress. Quote: "Corneal Lipid ... Most common appearance is paracentral lipid dystrophy: ... Shelties and Cavalier King Charles spaniels." www.vin.com/proceedings/Proceedings.plx?CID=WSAVA2008&PID=pr23859&O=Generic
Non-Ulcerative Corneal Disorders. Charlotte Keller. 2010 WSAVA Congress. www.vin.com/proceedings/Proceedings.plx?&CID=WSAVA2010&PID=pr56137&O=Generic Quote: "The White/Yellow/Grey/Blue Cornea: Lipid and mineral deposition in the cornea create a sparkly white, refractile appearance. The deposition of lipid in the cornea has been divided into three clinical types: 1) Crystalline stromal dystrophy--bilateral, axial or paraxial crystalline appearance without inflammation or vascularisation. The deposition of lipid in the cornea without the presence of another disease. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Husky Beagle, etc. 2) Lipid keratopathy (corneal lipidosis)--Arcus lipoides corneae--peripheral lesion bilateral ocular manifestation of systemic disease (hypothyroidism, systemic lipid abnormalities). 3) Corneal degeneration--primary or secondary to anterior segment disease (ulcerative keratitis, pannus). Treatment: May include the reduction of fat intake, the control of the underlying systemic diseases and control of ocular disease."
