Re: [pyrnet] scaredy Pyr???

[JGentzel@aol.com]

In a message dated 12/17/00 8:35:27 AM Pacific Standard Time, 
janices@austin.rr.com writes:


> .  Multifocal retinopathy has affected his 
> peripheral vision and we pretty much knew that and he also has 
> PPM which is becoming reported more and more.  What this has 
> done has set him up for possible cataracts which can see he has 
> spots which may develop into cataracts but they aren't there yet.  
>
> JMHO, when I look at my boy and the problems he has I think it's a 
> damn shame what the breeders are doing that aren't checking are 
> doing to this breed.  Sonny never deserved the problems he has.  I 
> commend any that are checking.  Sonny also challenges anybody 
> out there that are owners to have your pyr's eyes checked and 
> contribute to the research that is going on in multifocal retinopathy. 
> He already has.  And if you don't check the eyes how are you 
> going to know if they are normal or not especially if you have no 
> CERF eye checks behind them.  


Janice

I am in complete agreement with you, almost.  By background we first 
diagnosed cataracts in a couple of our dogs two years ago.  Were told by the 
powers that it does not exist in the breed and CERF had no data.  We 
diagnosed a couple more and have had to endure the talk of it being familial 
i.e. only in our dogs.  We knew this was not true as one of the carrier dogs 
was not ours.  It did not take much checking to dismiss the misinformation.  
The problem is all across the breed and now we know the breed has PRA (a much 
more serious probem than late onset cataracts) and you are reporting 
Multifocal retinopathy.  New one to me.  All our dogs are tested and all 
their offspring are as well.   We are being told now that this new condition 
is "one no big deal", but I suspect differently from what you and others have 
reported.    

I am not sure there is any evidence in the breed though that PPM, is anything 
to worry about.  I have talked with now five specialists including the head 
fo the department at vet school at Univ of Ga and they do not think in pyrs 
this is anything other than a non resolving primitive developmental condition 
that does not affect their sight.  I have not had one tell me that PPM, will 
be a precursor of cataracts.  I have had them tell me that it is probabaly 
nothing to worry about.  

Until we know more, everyone (especially breeders) should check eyes.  Easy 
test and not very expensive.  You can also find cheap eye clinics at dog 
shows etc.  Until we have a lot more data maybe we will not know for sure 
about PPM.

Joe