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Champion
Typical Toivo of Dark Brightness HSAs
Hips OFA
Excellent, Elbows OFA Normal, MSU Thyroid Normal, OFA Cardiac Normal,
CERF 10/03
Toivo received a passing CERF
eye rating in October 2003 (#BT-2975) with the notation
"punctate cataract significance unknown" and the breeding
recommendation of "breeder's option". Basically, he
presented with a pinpoint spot/opacity in one eye, and it's debatable as
to whether or not it is hereditary or even a cataract. Some
veterinary ophthalmologists will pass this type of thing and others
won't, it can be very subjective.
In the past 3 years Toivo was examined by 3 ACVO (American College of
Veterinary Ophthalmologists) vets who offered different opinions.
One said it's remnants of the hyaloid membrane and a non-issue,
another said it's a punctate cataract on the lens, and another said it's
a punctate on the lens capsule, NOT the lens. So, we have
multiple professionals in some disagreement as to diagnosis/cause.
I
know of several similar cases relative to cataract diagnoses, ACVO/CERF
examiners, and room for interpretation. Veterinary eye specialists
don't
always agree on type, shape, size, location, and breeding
implications of cataract diagnoses. A punctate opacity is not a black and
white issue.
We will let some time pass and have Toivo examined again by one or
more board certified veterinary ophthalmologists to determine if
anything has changed from his prior exams. Sometimes, these types
of opacities disappear or dissolve. (Is that a cataract or something
else?). Results will be reported on this page.
Toivo has a lot to offer to the breed, including excellent health in
all areas. We hope to use him selectively and cautiously in our
breeding program in the future. We will consider letting others
use him selectively as well, provided the pedigree is very clean for
eyes. Clearly Toivo's sight is not affected as he shows no signs
whatsoever of vision problems. He jumps fences and climbs ex-pens
in the dark, he herds with no problems. There is nothing to
indicate this little spot on his eye is vision affecting in any way. We
would NOT consider using him for breeding if his eye issue was vision
affecting. We are still in the process of getting the owners of
Toivo's offspring to have CERF checks done (all are relatively young).
So far, none have reported any vision problems.
Questions? Feel free to email
me.
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