The mutation is dominant, so dogs with even one copy are at risk
of developing cataracts at some point in their lives.
Theoretically, eating cashews can help protect against cataracts — which may be important, because many hamsters
develop cataracts in their old age.
Reoccurring infections are also possible, and dogs typically
develop cataracts as the disease progresses.
Other factors may well affect the final phenotype, but HSF4 provides a key indicator of dogs that are at significant risk
for developing cataracts at some time in their lives.
A dog with even one copy of this mutation is twelve times more likely to
develop cataracts sometime in its life than a dog that has normal versions of HSF4.
Lastly, we are finding several affected dogs that have cataracts in only one eye, and the fellow
eye develops the cataract later if at all.
Moreover, the task force cited eye irritation from screening and an increased risk for
developing cataracts after glaucoma treatment as associated risks.
While dogs may
certainly develop cataracts, they much more commonly develop a condition called nuclear sclerosis, sometimes called lenticlular sclerosis.
The mode of inheritance for most Aussie cataracts is dominant with incomplete penetrance, meaning not every dog with the mutation will
develop cataracts though 70 % of those with cataracts have it.
A common phenomenon occurs in many
rapidly developing cataracts wherein the patient develops a local «allergic» type reaction to the cataract known as lens - induced uveitis.
A common phenomenon occurs in many
developing cataracts where the patient can develop an allergic type of reaction to the animal's cataract.
Some cataracts are secondary to other genetic diseases: Homozygous merles with severe ocular defects not
infrequently develop cataracts and dogs with the most severe form of Collie Eye Anomaly have detached retinas, which can cause secondary cataracts.
Though cataracts can decrease vision, or even cause complete blindness, not every companion animal that
develops cataracts requires surgery.
The increased risk of
developing cataracts when only one copy of the HSF4 - 2 mutation is present should also be considered when making breeding choices in the Australian Shepherd.
People with diabetes are twice as likely to
develop cataract as the general population and the relative risk is highest in those aged between 45 and 54, according to a new study published in the journal Eye.
In fact, 75 % of
dogs develop cataracts and blindness in both eyes within 9 months of being diagnosed with diabetes.
Did you know that approximately 80 % of diabetic dogs will
develop cataracts within 16 months of diagnosis, with the majority developing significant cataract within 5 - 6 months?
«Diabetes doubles chance
of developing cataract: New study finds relative risk is highest among people aged between 45 and 54.»