The cataract is one of the most common diseases in dogs and a hereditary form has already been described in 100 breeds. In addition to a genetic epidemiology, eye injuries, metabolic disorders
(including diabetes) or nutritional deficiencies may also lead to cataracts.
The disease leads to blindness by a clouding of the lens. In the Boston Terrier, a distinction is made between two forms: the early form occurs at the age of a few months, always progressive, and ends in complete blindness, while the late form occurs after three years of age and expresses a highly variable
course and severity of disease. The same genetic variant, as seen in the early form in the Boston Terrier, results in hereditary cataracts in Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Since this form is inherited autosomal recessive in both breeds, genetic testing allows for the determination of the genetic status, and thereby selective breeding.
* test carried out by partner lab