Common Ophthalmic Conditions in Popular Dog Breeds in Japan: Insights From a Survey of 105 Veterinarians Practicing Ophthalmology

OBJECTIVE: To identify commonly presented dog breeds and potentially heritable ophthalmic diseases encountered by veterinarians practicing ophthalmology in Japan. METHODS: A survey was distributed through the Japanese Society of Comparative and Veterinary Ophthalmology. Respondents reported frequently presented breeds for ophthalmic complaints, common ocular diseases by breed, and utilization of diagnostic modalities, including screening eye examinations, gonioscopy, electroretinography (ERG), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and DNA testing. RESULTS: A total of 105 responses from veterinarians providing ophthalmologic service exclusively or alongside or as part of primary care were analyzed. The most frequently reported breeds were Toy Poodles (n = 99), Shiba Inus (n = 67), Shih Tzus (n = 44), Chihuahuas (n = 41), Miniature Dachshunds (n = 27), and French Bulldogs (n = 19), differing somewhat from the current most popular dogs according to the Japanese Kennel Club. Cataracts were reported across most popular breeds. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) was prevalent in Miniature Dachshunds and Toy Poodles, glaucoma in Shiba Inus, ocular surface diseases in Shih Tzus, and corneal endothelial dystrophy in Chihuahuas. Screening eye examinations are being performed by 14% of clinicians for puppies and 25% for adult dogs, most frequently by specialists. Gonioscopy and ERG were each utilized by 69% of respondents, OCT by 23%, and DNA testing by 31% through providers offering variable tests and formats. CONCLUSIONS: Commonly encountered breeds and heritable ophthalmic diseases were characterized, highlighting possible focus of future clinical and molecular research. Implementation of standardized screening, advanced diagnostics, and genetic testing may improve control of these diseases in Japan's canine population.