Disease overview

Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is a condition that causes pressure to build up in the eye, leading to eye pain and vision loss. In some cases, glaucoma is caused by a reduced angle between the cornea and the iris, leading to decreased outflow of the fluid in the eye. However, in this mutation, the angle remains open and there are other contributors to the forming of glaucoma. Primary lens luxation (PLL) is a painful genetic disease that causes the lens of the eye to spontaneously detach from its normal position and become displaced. There can be multiple, independent mutations to this gene, causing only Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG), Primary Lens Luxation (PLL), or both.

Gene name

ADAMTS17

Inheritance

Autosomal recessive

Signs and symptoms

Glaucoma is an adult-onset disease. Signs may appear suddenly and dramatically. The affected eye may have dilated pupils and enlarged vessels. An affected dog may present with aversion to bright light, head shaking, or pawing at the eyes. PLL causing inflammation, which leads to watery, red, and teary eyes. PLL can increase the chances of developing glaucoma, and can lead to blindness.

How is it diagnosed

Thorough examination of the eyes and clinical signs. A veterinary ophthalmologic exam can measure intraocular pressure and determine if there are changes in the eye that have or will lead to vision loss. Genetic testing is necessary to determine if there is an underlying genetic cause, which can assist veterinarians with diagnosis and help breeders identify affected and carrier dogs.

Breeds at higher risk

Citations

Oliver JAC, Rustidge S, Pettitt L, Jenkins CA, Farias FHG, Giuliano EA, Mellersh CS. Evaluation of ADAMTS17 in Chinese Shar-Pei with primary open-angle glaucoma, primary lens luxation, or both. Am J Vet Res. 2018 Jan;79(1):98-106. doi: 10.2460/ajvr.79.1.98. PMID: 29287154.

Disclaimer

Disease diagnosis and treatment should always be performed by a veterinarian. The following information is for educational purposes only.