 GOLDEN RETRIEVER UVEITIS
Every breed has their own particular problems. One of the breed-related problems of Golden Retrievers is a specific eye disease that can cause blindness, pain, and even loss of the eyes. This is an emerging disease which has become much more common in the last few years. As many as one quarter to one third of Golden Retrievers will eventually develop some degree of uveitis.
Fortunately, early detection allows this problem to be controlled with daily medication.
Golden Retriever Uveitis is a disease in which the iris (the colored part of the eye) becomes inflamed. Although uveitis can also be caused in any dog when the immune system is reacting to other diseases (such as infections or tumors), this particular disease of Goldens is caused by a genetic problem. The disease started in the Northeast, but has moved across the country as genes from some famous show dogs have been bred into many different lines of Goldens.
AGE: This eye disease can start any time after 4 years of age.
SIGNS: In the early stages (when it is most easily treatable), the dog may have no signs except occasional redness of the eyes. Although uveitis is generally uncomfortable, Goldens rarely complain and are unlikely to show any tell-tale signs. As the disease progresses, the iris changes color, taking on a darker brown hue. Eventually the inflammation takes its toll and causes glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye), which will cause blindness and pain. Half of the dogs with this disease will become blind due to glaucoma.
DIAGNOSIS: Early in the course of the disease the pressure inside the eye drops to very low levels, which can be measured with a simple and inexpensive test called Tonometry. In the advanced stage, the eye pressure increases to very high levels and the eye looks obviously inflamed. Unfortunately, treatment rarely helps once these dramatic signs occur. Your veterinarian may notice subtle changes in the iris, or streaks of pigment on the surface of the lens of the eye. Although these findings are highly suggestive, a special “slit lamp” exam with an ophthalmologist is often needed to definitely diagnose the problem. Blood tests may be needed to rule out other types of uveitis, such as inflammation caused by tick-borne infections.
TREATMENT: The current treatment of choice is the daily use of an eye drop containing a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. This generally controls the disease and delays or prevents glaucoma from occurring. The medication must be continued for life, but it is well-tolerated. The eyes should be checked regularly for changes in eye pressure.
EARLY DIAGNOSIS: Since this disease is very treatable, but only in the early stages, we recommend that every Golden Retriever over 4 years old should have the eyes thoroughly examined and eye pressures measured every year.
MORE INFORMATION: Ask your veterinarian, and read more on the Golden Retriever Club website at www.grca.org/health/eyes.
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