Vitreous degeneration and associated ocular abnormalities in the dog

Objective: To identify the frequency of vitreous degeneration and its association with ocular comorbidities including cataracts, lens luxation, glaucoma, and retinal detachment.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of 4217 dogs from the Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER) that underwent breed screening ophthalmic examinations between 2013 and 2016. The breeds analyzed included the Italian Greyhound, Shih Tzu, Affenpinscher, Bichon Frise, Brussels Griffon, Whippets, and Greyhound. Data collected from CAER included age, gender, number of examinations, and whether vitreous degeneration, along with cataracts, lens luxation, glaucoma and/or retinal detachment were present in either or both eyes.

Results: The study found that breed and age are significant drivers for developing VD. Italian Greyhounds, Brussels Griffons, and Shih Tzus have a significantly higher likelihood of VD compared to the negative control breed, the Greyhound. Additionally, with every 1-year age increase, there is a 24% higher likelihood of developing VD. However, no association was identified between vitreous degeneration and cataracts, lens luxation, glaucoma, or retinal detachment.

Conclusions: While the study found that breed and age were significant drivers for developing VD, no association was found between VD and the other ocular comorbidities examined.