Anterior Lens Luxation (ALL) in Dogs
The lens is the clear structure inside the eye that allows the eye to focus. When the lens becomes unhealthy, it is called a cataract and looks white. The lens normally sits behind the iris, which is the coloured part of the eye. When the lens comes forward in front of the iris, it is called an anterior lens luxation (ALL).
Consequences of ALL
Fluid that normally keeps the eye round is produced and drained at the same rate. When the lens comes forward, it blocks the fluid from leaving, and the eye pressure quickly goes up. This is called glaucoma and can result in vision loss.
Clinical signs of ALL
Breed predisposition
Breeds that commonly develop ALL are Jack Russell Terriers, Australian Cattle Dogs, Fox Terriers and Bull Terriers. Many more breeds can develop ALL.
Treatment for ALL
Surgical removal of the lens is the only way the pressure can be stabilised and vision saved. This surgery requires specialised anaesthesia and surgical equipment. A large incision is made on top of the eye and the lens removed in one piece. The incision is then closed with multiple tiny dissolving sutures. Without surgery, most patients will go blind.
Care after surgery
Keeping quiet is essential. No barking, no playing with other dogs and no going out on walks (going out to the garden to go to the toilet is fine). A head collar MUST be worn at all times for the first 7 days.
Four post-operative visits are required during the first 4 weeks after surgery. As a guide these are:
DAY 1, DAY 4, DAY 11 and DAY 25 POST SURGERY.
These visits are included in the surgery fee. Post-op checks seen at one of our travelling clinics will incur a travelling clinic fee of $30.
Following this time, we advise ongoing 6 monthly checks to ensure the health of the eye. These are charged out as revisit consultations. Drops to control infection, pressure and inflammation are given immediately after surgery. Lifelong anti-inflammatory and anti-glaucoma drops are usually required.
Complications of ALL
Even with early intervention, complications do occur and include:
Vision after surgery
Without a lens dogs can still manage to navigate, but close up focus (less than 75 cm) is poor. Without surgery, however, patients tend to go blind and experience pain.
Should you have any questions or concerns please contact us on 03 9545 0103.
The lens is the clear structure inside the eye that allows the eye to focus. When the lens becomes unhealthy, it is called a cataract and looks white. The lens normally sits behind the iris, which is the coloured part of the eye. When the lens comes forward in front of the iris, it is called an anterior lens luxation (ALL).
Consequences of ALL
Fluid that normally keeps the eye round is produced and drained at the same rate. When the lens comes forward, it blocks the fluid from leaving, and the eye pressure quickly goes up. This is called glaucoma and can result in vision loss.
Clinical signs of ALL
- Severe pain – quiet, not interested, loss of interest in food
- Redness to the white of the eye
- Discharge from the eye – mucky
- Blue eye
- Blindness
Breed predisposition
Breeds that commonly develop ALL are Jack Russell Terriers, Australian Cattle Dogs, Fox Terriers and Bull Terriers. Many more breeds can develop ALL.
Treatment for ALL
Surgical removal of the lens is the only way the pressure can be stabilised and vision saved. This surgery requires specialised anaesthesia and surgical equipment. A large incision is made on top of the eye and the lens removed in one piece. The incision is then closed with multiple tiny dissolving sutures. Without surgery, most patients will go blind.
Care after surgery
Keeping quiet is essential. No barking, no playing with other dogs and no going out on walks (going out to the garden to go to the toilet is fine). A head collar MUST be worn at all times for the first 7 days.
Four post-operative visits are required during the first 4 weeks after surgery. As a guide these are:
DAY 1, DAY 4, DAY 11 and DAY 25 POST SURGERY.
These visits are included in the surgery fee. Post-op checks seen at one of our travelling clinics will incur a travelling clinic fee of $30.
Following this time, we advise ongoing 6 monthly checks to ensure the health of the eye. These are charged out as revisit consultations. Drops to control infection, pressure and inflammation are given immediately after surgery. Lifelong anti-inflammatory and anti-glaucoma drops are usually required.
Complications of ALL
Even with early intervention, complications do occur and include:
- Glaucoma (Elevated eye pressure)
- Uveitis (Inflammation in the eye)
- Hyphaema (Blood inside the eye)
- Retinal Detachment (Blindness)
- Corneal oedema (Cloudiness of the cornea)
Vision after surgery
Without a lens dogs can still manage to navigate, but close up focus (less than 75 cm) is poor. Without surgery, however, patients tend to go blind and experience pain.
Should you have any questions or concerns please contact us on 03 9545 0103.
