ENTLEBUCHER Eye Health
Eye diseases and conditions occurs in Entlebucher Mountain Dogs. This is a resource to help you.
For immediate assistance, reach out to our Health and Genetics Committee
NEMDA recommends Entles receive an annual eye exam, including measuring eye pressures.
The most serious eye conditions affecting Entlebuchers
Cataracts
The most common cause of cataracts in the dog is inherited disease. Other causes include injuries to the eye or diseases such as diabetes mellitus (“sugar diabetes”). Some cataracts appear to occur spontaneously and are age related.
Resource information about cataracts:
NEMDA Articles about Cataracts
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is caused by inadequate drainage of aqueous fluid. It is classified as primary or secondary glaucoma.
Primary glaucoma results in increased intra-ocular pressure in a healthy eye. It occurs due to inherited anatomical abnormalities in the drainage angle.
Secondary glaucoma results in increased intra-ocular pressure due to disease or injury to the eye.
Current research is being conducted by Dr. Gillian McLellan on glaucoma in Entlebuchers at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI.
Resource information about Glaucoma
- Genetics of Glaucoma in Entlebuchers
- Dr. Gillian McLellan
- Study aims for DNA test to reduce glaucoma in Entlebucher Mountain Dogs
- Glaucoma Packet
NEMDA Articles about Glaucoma
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
The Entlebucher carries the gene for Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). It is a hereditary eye disease that causes blindness. Entlebuchers were mostly affected by the late onset variety (PRA-prcd) with very few affected by early onset PRA.
In 2004, via fundraising, education, and cooperation amongst our breeders, NEMDA worked with Cornell University and Optigen to make a DNA test available for PRA in the Entlebucher.
NEMDA BCOE Breeders are required to test their breeding Entlebuchers to find out whether they are Pattern Normal, Carrier ,or Affected. Since 2004, no Entlebucher in NEMDA’s BCOE breeders has suffered from PRA.
Resource information about PRA
NEMDA Articles about PRA
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