Basenji Health Information - Other Eye Anomalies

Coloboma

Coloboma is the absence, complete or partial, of a portion of the eye. The mode of inheritance of coloboma is not yet understood. Basenjis with colobomas typically have optic nerve colobomas. A Basenji with a coloboma will not receive certification from the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF), and the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) breeding recommendation is not to breed an affected. Since Basenjis can, in some cases, have normal optic nerves that are somewhat more deeply cupped than other breeds, it is possible to have a false positive. If a Basenji is diagnosed with a coloboma, a second opinion, with an ophthalmologist familiar with Basenji eyes, has been recommended by some of our researchers.

Corneal Dystrophy

Epithelial/stromal corneal dsytrophy is not uncommon in Basenjis. This is a condition where the cornea becomes clouded. It is believed to have a hereditary component, but does not normally compromise vision. The ACVO breeding recommendation on epithelial corneal dystrophy is Breeder's Choice - the breeder should consider this, but it is not a reason, in and of itself, to disqualify a dog from breeding. Basenjis with epithelial corneal dystrophy will CERF.

Endothelial corneal dystrophy is less common in Basenjis. This is a more deeply-seated disorder than epithelial. The ACVO breeding recommendation on this condition is NO, and Basenjis with endothelial corneal dystrophy will not CERF.

These anomalies can be detected in a CERF exam (see above under PRA.) An annual CERF exam is recommended for all breeding stock. Coloboma is present from puppyhood, but many other eye disorders, such as corneal dystrophy, can onset later in life. Thus, a normal CERF exam does not guarantee that the dog will not later develop a hereditary eye problem. And a CERF exam cannot measure whether or not a dog carries genes for a hereditary eye problem.