| Eye problems are the most common genetic | | | | before birth. When they persist after birth, they |
| disorder facing Australian Shepherds. There is a | | | | are associated with cataracts. |
| multitude of diagnoses, including merle ocular | | | | Cataracts may also form in dogs of other colors, |
| dysgenesis, cataracts, collie eye anomaly (collies | | | | and is the most common inherited disorder in the |
| are a closely related breed), deformed iris, | | | | breed. When shopping for a puppy, try to find |
| persistent pupillary membrane, and persistent | | | | one without cataracts in parents or siblings. |
| hyaloid arteries. | | | | Persistent hyaloid arteries and persistent pupillary |
| Merle dogs have a reddish brown or black coat | | | | membranes can also be found in other colors |
| with lighter red or grayish patches. Dogs with this | | | | behind merles. |
| particular kind of coloring frequently also carry the | | | | Ingrowing eyelashes can also be a problem, |
| genes for irises with parts missing, cataracts, | | | | because the eyelash can cause irritation and |
| small eyes, misplaced pupils, lens misplacement, | | | | infections. |
| retinal deformities or detachment, persistent | | | | Collie eye deformity involves an underdeveloped |
| pupillary membrane, missing tissue behind the | | | | eye. |
| retina, or bulging parts of the eye. Irises with | | | | Cataracts can be removed in dogs just as they |
| parts missing can allow too much light to enter | | | | are in humans. A small incision is made and the old |
| the eye, causing the dog to squint, which makes | | | | lens is replaced by a new, clear, artificially made |
| it difficult to see. Cataracts are opacities, or | | | | lens. Displaced retinas can be repaired with laser |
| cloudiness, in the lenses, which keeps light from | | | | surgery. Persistent pupillary membrane, which |
| entering the retina, where the picture sent to the | | | | appears as a white spot, can also be removed |
| brain is formed. Pupillary membranes cover the | | | | surgically. Not all eye problems can be corrected, |
| pupils before birth. Puppies born with the | | | | and a veterinarian should be consulted if any eye |
| membrane have difficulty trying to see through it. | | | | problem is noticed or if the dog seems to be |
| Hyaloid arteries are also supposed to disappear | | | | having difficulty seeing. |