Primary Lens Luxation
PLL occurs when the lens spontaneously detaches from its normal residence within the pupil, leading to reduced visual acuity. Anterior lens luxation is when the lens falls forward and posterior lens luxation is when the lens falls backwards in the eye.
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Signs and symptoms
You can visually appreciate the lens luxation by peeking in your dog's pupil: almost always, the dislodged lens can be seen as a clear half moon either in front of or in back of the iris. Your dog may also show signs of ocular irritation and pain.
Signs of this disease typically first appear in adulthood (3-8 years on average). -
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will examine your dog’s eyes carefully and determine if it is an anterior or posterior luxation. They may run additional tests to check for secondary complications.
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Treatment
Surgical correction by a veterinary ophthalmologist is necessary if the lens falls forward (anterior lens luxation). No treatment may be required except careful monitoring if the lens falls backward (posterior lens luxation).
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What to do if your dog is at risk
Actions
- The best care you can provide your dog is seeking the expert opinion of your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and determining whether or not a specialty consult for surgery is required.
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Genetic Information
This mutation was first identified in the Jack Russell Terrier, Lancashire Heeler, and the Miniature Bull Terrier.
This mutation has an additive genetic effect, meaning that while dogs with one copy of the mutation can develop PLL, they have a much lower risk than dogs with two copies of the mutation.
Gene names:
ADAMTS17 ‐ chr
Inheritance type:
additive
Citations:
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Breeds affected
This health condition affects the following breeds
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American Eskimo Dog
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American Hairless Terrier
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Australian Cattle Dog
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Biewer Terrier
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Border Collie
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Bull Terrier
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Cesky Terrier
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Chinese Crested
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Wire Fox Terrier
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Jagdterrier
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Australian Kelpie
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Koolie
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Lakeland Terrier
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Lancashire Heeler
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McNab
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Miniature Bull Terrier
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Norfolk Terrier
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Norwich Terrier
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Puli
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Pumi
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Rat Terrier
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Russell-type Terrier
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Sealyham Terrier
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Smooth Fox Terrier
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Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
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Tibetan Terrier
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Toy Fox Terrier
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Volpino Italiano
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Welsh Terrier
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Yorkshire Terrier
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