We are glad to share a vet case study captured by QuikVue eye imaging adaptor from Dr.Allison Fuchs.

This middle aged terrier mix presented to us for cataracts and blindness last week. The owner has noted cloudiness and slowly decreasing vision over the last 6 months with worse vision in dim light noted first. This patient has NOT had any dilation. What do you see and what are your concerns? If your alarm bells all went off, good! This dog does have cataracts, but they are at an immature stage and you can still clearly see a tapetal reflection. Fundic exam was easily performed, which means if everything is working properly the dog should be able to see out. The history, absent PLRs, and progressive cortical cataracts should be a red flag for retinal degeneration. On fundic exam, this dog’s retinas were at an advanced stage of atrophy. All is consistent with progressive rod-cone degeneration, aka PRCD or PRA. This is a group of inherited retinal degenerations that can affect just about any breed of dog, and rarely cats. Cataract development is common due to release of toxic factors from the retina. While cataract surgery can be helpful in some cases, it is usually a short term fix as the retinal degeneration is not treatable.