Species: Dog
Condition: Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous
Organ System: Nervous/sensory
It is a condition characterized by a developmental abnormality of the eye. Normally, blood vessels that help in lens development are reabsorbed before birth, however in PHPV, reabsorption does not take place. This can lead to deposits on the lens, resulting in mild vision problems to severe blindness depending on the severity of the problem. The condition is usually diagnosed by a veterinary ophthalmologist when the puppy is around 4 weeks old, although it can be readily detected when the puppy is about 8-12 weeks of age. There is no successful treatment for the problem. Surgery may be performed but it can quite expensive with no guarantee of regaining full vision. It is frequently inherited in Doberman pinschers. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is also susceptible to this condition.
Breeds exposed to Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous – Research Reference
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Cross – (Abramson et al. 2003)
Staffordshire Bull Terrier – (Abramson et al. 2003)
Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine
To learn more about Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.
This information is accurate as at May 2014 and is subject to change without notice.
For Petmed Pet Health Insurance – pre-existing condition exclusion applies. Annual Benefit Limits and excess amounts vary based on pet health insurance plans.
