Long-term evaluation of the effects of vitreous degeneration on cataracts and retinal detachment in dogs.

Abstract

We aimed to track and evaluate the association between vitreous degeneration and the development of cataracts or retinal detachments in dogs over a long period. Data on vitreous degeneration, cataracts, and retinal detachment in 102 eyes were collected from 68 dogs who underwent ocular ultrasonography at least twice between March 2017 and November 2021 at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Konkuk University. The mean follow-up time was 515 ± 256 (mean ± standard deviation; range: 81-1196) days. Development of cataracts and retinal detachment, according to the severity of vitreous degeneration grade (VDG), was evaluated during long-term follow-up. In the cataract study (87 eyes, 61 dogs), the number of cataracts developed according to VDG (grade: 0-3) were as follows: VDG 0: 1 in 10 (10%) eyes, VDG 1: 15 in 35 (43%) eyes, VDG 2: 15 in 30 (50%) eyes, and VDG 3: 10 in 12 (83%) eyes. It was significantly different among grades (p=.026). In the retinal detachment study (95 eyes, 64 dogs), the number of retinal detachments developed according to each VDG were as follows: VDG 0: 0 in 11 (0%) eyes, VDG 1: 1 in 36 (3%) eyes, VDG 2: 5 in 35 (14%) eyes, and VDG 3: 4 in 13 (30%) eyes. It was also significantly different among grades (p=.019). During long-term follow-up, dogs with severe vitreous degeneration had an increased risk of cataract and retinal detachment development than those without or with mild vitreous degeneration.