Persistent Hyperplastic Tunica Vasculosa Lentis/Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous in Dogs

Category: Eye
Breeds documented: 2
Published sources: 5

Overview

Before birth, temporary blood vessels and tissue help the eye develop and normally shrink away. In PHTVL/PHPV, some of this tissue remains behind the lens or within the gel-filled part of the eye. Mild changes may cause no problems, while more severe forms can distort the lens or cause cataracts, which make the lens cloudy. Serious cases may affect sight and cause inflammation or pain.

Signs to watch for

No obvious signs in mild cases
Cloudiness inside the eye in more severe cases
Reduced sight
A painful eye if inflammation develops

The abnormal tissue develops before birth and does not shrink away normally around birth.

When to get help Arrange a vet examination for cloudy-looking eyes, eye discomfort, or reduced sight.

Diagnosis and tests

A veterinary eye examination looks for tissue remnants on the back of the lens and other lens abnormalities. The findings are graded according to their severity, from small dots to more extensive developmental changes. Ultrasound may also help assess the structures inside an affected eye.

Breeds with documented risk

2 breeds

By breed size

1 Small
1 Medium

NorrbottenspetsSmall · Miscellaneous Class
Akita InuMedium · Miscellaneous Class

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.