LENS LUXATION

Primary lens luxation, (PLL),  is an eye disorder that effects many breeds, most notably the terrier breeds of the British Isles. While it may result from trauma to the eye, it is also an inherited disorder. The Lancashire Heeler is one of the breeds affected by inherited lens luxation.

When a dog suffers from lens luxation the zonules, or ligaments, which hold the lens in place, become stretched and weakened. This can be an extremely painful condition and demands immediate medical attention. The resulting movement of the lens can result in collateral eye damage, including glaucoma, if not treated with expediency. With prompt and appropriate medical treatment which may involve surgery to remove the lens, the dog's vision may be saved, although compromised to some degree. If one lens becomes luxated, there is an increased liklihood that the second lens will also be affected.

There are several ongoing research projects in the United States and Great Britain which hope to isolate the responsible gene and develop DNA testing to determine affected dogs as well as carriers. The results of this research are perhaps several years in the future. Due to the late onset of symptoms, rarely before the age of three years, many dogs have already been bred, thereby introducing many more carriers and sufferers into the already small gene pool.

Prospective Lancashire Heeler owners should be aware of this disease and carefully research the pedigree of any dog being considered for the potential of developing lens luxation. Research points to this being a recessive gene, but the number of cases appears to be on the rise, perhaps due to the lack of careful screening proceedures available to breeders. It is suggested that not only should affected dogs be prohibited from breeding, but care should be exercised to avoid breeding two suspected carriers.