Primary Lens Luxation (PLL)

Isolated ectopia lentis, known as primary lens luxation, has been recognized as a canine familial disorder for more than 75 years. PLL is encountered at high frequency in several terrier breeds and in some other breeds with probable terrier co-ancestry. In most instances, PLL goes undetected until one of the lenses is grossly displaced from the patellar fossa. Concurrent iridodonesis usually signals subluxation in the opposite eye. Gross displacement of the lens in the second eye often follows weeks or months later. Ultrastructure abnormalities of the zonular fibers are already evident at 20 months of age, long before the initial luxation that typically occurs when the dogs are 3 to 8 years old.

Inheritance: autosomal recessive

Mutation: ADAMTS17 gene

Genetic test: The method used for testing is extremely accurate and allows complete differentiation between affected animals, carriers and healthy dogs. Testing can be done at any age.