Quote:
Originally Posted by scrapindee  This is good information for all small dog breeds. At what age can cataracts be identified as a potential problem in small breeds?? |
While it is true about small breeds in this case I just used Yorkie websites. One was the YTCA Foundation and one is a Yorkshire Showbreeder who is now an AKC judge. Read the articles.
Cataracts
are generally considered a common old age change, but a
juvenile form also occurs. Juvenile cataracts are inherited
and are not usually present at birth, although this condition
can present itself at any age- months to years. Juvenile cataracts
affect different areas of the lens depending upon the breed of
dog. They do not always result in the lens becoming completely
opaque. Complete cataracts result in blindness that can only be
corrected by cataract surgery.
Yearly CERF examinations are an
important tool in diagnosing this condition. Proper treatment
can be hastened by early diagnosis.