Corneal Dystrophy

Corneal dystrophy is characterized by white to grey opacities (lipid deposits) in the superficial layers of the cornea of one or both eyes. The deposits usually do not cause a problem, but some dogs may develop painful, shallow erosions that require treatment. It is considered to be hereditary in some breeds. Since 2019, the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists lists two types of corneal dystrophy: (1) Corneal dystrophy with “Breeders Option” and (2) Sheltie corneal dystrophy with a recommendation NOT to breed!  Sheltie Corneal Dystrophy would prohibit a dog from receiving an OFA Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER) number.  See: Sheltie Eye Disease Information in the “Blue Book” at the top of the OFA page concerning eye examination/disease - https://ofa.org/diseases/eye-disease/