Kristi Salinas Webboard User Reg: 04-10-2009
Posts: 71
Loc: San Antonio, TX
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Today I took my husband's dog a Siberian husky to the vet. She is 18 month sold. The vet says that it looks like she is developing cataracts. She gave me a list of options but points out that in general there is not much that can be done. I chose the option of a Chinese herb formulation and watchful waiting.
Is this sign of poor breeding? (She is spayed. For so many reasons I never planned to let my husband breed her.)
Would diet have anything to do with this? (She is fed Canidae.)
Do I notify someone or just tell the breeder?
One year ago here eyes were fine. She was seen by a different vet but she still examined the eyes so I have to assume they were not there at that time. She still chases squirrels and birds so she doens't seem to be bothered by the lack of light getting to the back of the eye.
Did you take her to the vet b/c of something related to her eyes or was it just noticed during a routine exam?
I was told at about 21 that I had a cataract. The Dr. said he's sure I was born w/it, but no one ever noticed it before. It doesn't affect me in the least. Just wondering if it could be the same kind of thing.
If it's a new, developing thing, I also have some experience. My childhood Cocker had juvenile cataracts at 4. We did surgery and put a lens implant in one eye, and then when the other went bad, it wasn't such a big deal; she had perfect vision in one eye. Eventually the bad eye had to be removed for glaucoma, but she died w/perfect vision in the eye w/the implant. This was 20 years ago. I bet things are even better now!
Did you see the eye registration papers on both parents from the breeder?*
I don't know much about eye stuff, but I do know I would want a specialist (ophthalmologist) to see the dog and explain the severity and the kinds of surgeries, etc., available. http://www.vetinfo.com/dog-cataracts.html
* Such as SHOR (Siberian Husky Ophthalmologic Registry)
Kristi Salinas Webboard User Reg: 04-10-2009
Posts: 71
Loc: San Antonio, TX
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Quote: Connie Sutherland
Did you see the eye registration papers on both parents from the breeder?*
I don't know much about eye stuff, but I do know I would want a specialist (ophthalmologist) to see the dog and explain the severity and the kinds of surgeries, etc., available. http://www.vetinfo.com/dog-cataracts.html
* Such as SHOR (Siberian Husky Ophthalmologic Registry)
I only asked about health clearances. I did not ask to see the actual papers. Typical greenhorn. I did much better with my golden.
I was given the option of seeing a specialist. My vet states that cataract surgery does not completely correct the vision. She would not be able to focus. Right now she still sees and is fully able to chase birds and squirrels.
Right now I have opted for another choice from my vet- herbal treatment developed by a holistic vet in California.
We will see the specialist at some point but I am not aware of an allopathic treatment for cataracts other than surgery.
I plan on letting the breeder know that she has produced at least one offspring with cataracts.
Is there a DNA test for this genetic disorder? (Sorry, I have not thoroughly researched it...) In the little I have read, this is common enough that it is well warned about.
If a pup is clear, then it could potentially be bred.
There are some breeders that will breed tested carriers to tested non-carriers, but if this EVER happens, there should be full disclosure to all buyers of offspring. This risky breeding should only happen in rare breeds or rare bloodlines that need to be preserved, not in a popular breed like the Sibe.
Kristi Salinas Webboard User Reg: 04-10-2009
Posts: 71
Loc: San Antonio, TX
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So far I haven't found that they have a genetic test yet. I am still researching also. I was a little taken by surprize by the whole thing.
I got her from a back yard breeder. Now that I know better I checked and the parents are not listed on either SHOR or CERF. I guess I really didn't know what I was doing.
She is stil a super sweet dog and very smart and eager to please. She is spayed. She is tiny for a husky finally reaching her maximum bulk of 31 pounds. I could see she was not anything other than pet quality.
The breeder said that she was not planning to have anymore litters with her breeding pair. I sure hope so.
I think this has me more upset than when my daughter had to have her tonsils out!
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Juvenile Cataracts
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