Merle Ocular Dysgenesis in Dogs

Category: Eye
Breeds documented: 1
Published sources: 2

Overview

Abnormal eye development associated with merle coloring can affect several parts of the eye at once. The changes may include unusually small eyes, misshapen pupils, cloudy lenses, and abnormalities at the back of the eye. Vision ranges from useful sight to blindness, depending on which structures are involved and how severely they are affected.

Signs to watch for

One or both eyes looking unusually small
Pupils with unusual shapes, sizes, or positions
A cloudy appearance inside the pupil
Reduced sight

The eye abnormalities develop before birth.

When to get help Arrange a veterinary eye examination for small-looking eyes, abnormal pupils, or reduced sight.

Diagnosis and tests

A veterinary eye specialist checks eye size, pupil shape, the lenses, and responses that show how well the dog sees. Testing may include tear production, eye pressure, and a dye test for surface damage. Ultrasound can assess the back of an eye when a cloudy lens prevents a clear view.

Breeds with documented risk

1 breed

By breed size

1 Medium

Pyrenean ShepherdMedium · Herding Group

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.