Characterization and prevalence of cataracts in Labrador Retrievers in The Netherlands.

Objective: To assess the prevalence and distribution of types of cataract, investigate the effects of selective breeding on cataract development, and identify the relationship between posterior polar cataract and other types of cortical cataracts in Labrador Retrievers in The Netherlands.

Animals: 9,017 Labrador Retrievers.

Procedures: Records of 18,283 ophthalmic examinations performed by veterinary ophthalmologists from 1977 through 2005 were reviewed.

Comparison of the use of new handheld tonometers and established applanation tonometers in dogs.

Objective: To examine the practical aspects, accuracy, and reproducibility of 2 new automatic handheld tonometers in dogs and compare them with results for 2 established applanation tonometers.

Animals: 15 freshly enucleated canine eyes for manometric evaluation and 20 conscious research dogs, 20 client-owned dogs, and 12 dogs with acute glaucoma for clinical tonometry.

Procedure: Calibration curves were determined for all 4 tonometers on 15 enucleated canine eyes.

Abnormal ocular pigment deposition and glaucoma in the dog.

The combined occurrence of ocular pigment deposition and glaucoma has been described in Cairn Terriers. Recently, this condition was also observed in two other breeds: the Boxer (two cases) and the Labrador Retriever (one case). Six dogs were referred to the Ophthalmology section of the Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals and to a private referral clinic because of glaucoma or blindness in one or both eyes.