Phenotypic Characterization of Corneal Endothelial Dystrophy in German Shorthaired and Wirehaired Pointers Using In Vivo Advanced Corneal Imaging and Histopathology

Abstract

GSHPs and GWHPs with CED exhibit marked differences in corneal morphology when compared with age-matched control dogs. These 2 CED-affected breeds represent spontaneous, large animal models for human Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy.

Superficial keratectomy as a treatment for non‐healing corneal ulceration associated with primary corneal endothelial degeneration

“…Assessment of the population of PCED dogs from a veterinary ophthalmic clinic provided disease signalment information beyond previous publications. Some studies assessing a relatively small study population have shown a sex predilection in female dogs; however, this finding has not been consistent across all studies . Women are reported to be at higher risk than men for developing Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy and, as this human disorder shares many similarities to canine PCED, affected dogs have been suggested as a potential study model for the human disease .…”

“…The primary measurable determinant of corneal endothelial function is endothelial cell density. Corneal endothelial cell counts vary between dogs of different breeds and age, however, normal dogs examined with confocal microscopy are reported to have counts between 1805‐3175 cells/mm 2 . It is well recognized that corneal endothelial cell counts in normal dogs reduce with increasing age, along with concurrent increasing corneal thickness .…”

“…This point of corneal decompensation is reported to occur once endothelial cell counts are below 500‐800 cells/mm 2 in dogs . This point of decompensation may vary between cases as affected dogs are reported to have cell counts between 499‐2750 cells/mm 2 . Corneal endothelial cell densities can decrease because of a heritable genetic predisposition (CEDys), age‐related cell loss (CEDeg), or following surgical trauma (eg following cataract extraction surgery) .…”

“…CEDys is recognized in certain breeds such as Chihuahua, Boston terrier, and Dachshund where the age of onset is comparatively young, and the disease is considered heritable . When the instrumentation required to directly visualize corneal endothelial cells (confocal microscopy, specular microscopy) is not available, PCED is diagnosed with exclusion of diseases that cause secondary endothelial dysfunction including keratitis, glaucoma, or uveitis . Bullous keratopathy and associated corneal ulceration can occur in advanced stages of PCED if the edema coalesces into sub‐epithelial bullae that then rupture.…”

Effects of 5% sodium chloride ophthalmic ointment on thickness and morphology of the normal canine cornea

“…With advancements in technology, use of alternative modalities such as FD‐OCT are increasing in veterinary ophthalmology particularly for patients with corneal disease . In FD‐OCT, corneal thickness measurements are obtained using noninvasive, high‐resolution, cross‐sectional imaging of the cornea but this technique is slower to perform, requires greater expertise, and requires sedation for some canine patients.…”