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a) The Mini can either be affected by PLL - will develop the disease, usually between the ages of 3 – 7. b) or, a carrier of PLL – Is very unlikely to develop the condition themselves, but could pass it on to their puppies if bred from.
A list of affected dogs is held on the MBTC website (see links page) and all members considering breeding are strongly advised to check the parents of their dogs on this list to see if they are listed as affected by PLL. If they,
their siblings or any of their offspring are listed, the should be treated with suspicion for carrying PLL. For further information contact Jane Peakin (Secretary of the SMBTC), who will explain more. There is a tiny percentage of carriers which will go on to
develop clinical signs of PLL although this is currently being calculated at approximately 2%. The Southern Miniature Bull Terrier Club recommends that all carriers still undergo routine 6 monthly eye tests in order to catch the
problem early and hopefully treat.c) or, clear from PLL – will never get or pass on the condition.
A list of DNA tested dogs is held on our associated Health website
and a list of previously recorded (non DNA tested) affected dogs is held on the MBTC website (see links page) and all members considering breeding are strongly advised to check the parents of their dogs on these lists to check their status
If you have not had a PLL DNA test done for your Mini the SMBTC strongly recommends it’s members to eye test their dogs every six months from the age of 2½ onwards at a BVA approved eye testing centre (See list
of BVA approved examiners.) If caught in the early stages when the lens is “wobbling” it is possible to treat with drops called Xalatan, which may prolong the life of the eye and the need for surgery, but of course, this is only
possible if you regularly eye test your dogs. The cost of an eye test is about £20 - £25 through a BVA approved examiner. DESCRIPTION; Primary Lens Luxation is a condition where the lens is partially or fully dislocated from the threads that hold it in
position within the eye. These tiny threads, sometimes called ligaments are known as “zonules” and they can weaken and break which is what causes the condition. It depends on how many
and how quickly these break that determines the speed of onset of this condition. Using normal ophthalmic instruments (such as your own vet may possess) it is difficult to even see these small threads. What the experienced
ophthalmologist (See list of BVA specialists ) should also be looking for is a wobble in the lens as the dog moves his head around. This indicates that the zonules are becoming weak. If the zonules are weakened and causing the lens
to wobble, this is called a subluxated lens (partial dislocation), whereas if the lens is completely detached from the zonules it is referred to as a luxated lens.
The lens can either luxate forward or backwards. Forward is called anterior luxation. Backwards is called posterior luxation. The lens can also detach at an angle which
can cause bruising of the cornea (oedema of the cornea). It is more usual for the lens to fall forwards and this shows as a greenish, bluish tint to the eye – this is because the pupil cannot contract and is fully open, covering the normal iris and this colour is actually a reflection and looks something like when you see an animal’s eyes at night when a light is shone at them.
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THEREFORE TO CHECK YOUR MINIS’ EYES REGULARLY YOURSELF, AS PLL CAN OCCUR IN BETWEEN EYE CHECKS. IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT YOU SHOULD GO IMMEDIATELY TO YOUR NEAREST OPHTHALMOLOGIST.
The Animal Health Trust in Newmarket (see links page) is also a centre the SMBTC recommend as they have expertise in this condition and are fairly central for the South. SPEED IS OF THE UTMOST ESSENCE AS IT ONLY
TAKES 6 HOURS FOR YOUR DOG’S EYE TO BUILD UP ENOUGH PRESSURE (GLAUCOMA) TO DO PERMANENT DAMAGE TO THE EYE. List of BVA eye panelists |
