Primary Open Angle Glaucoma and Primary Lens Luxation (POAG/PLL) - Shar pei

Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and primary lens luxation (PLL) are two different diseases in Shar pei that are caused by the same mutation. Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is a disease characterized by increased intraocular pressure, which causes retinal and optic disk destruction. As the pressure in the eye increases, the eyeball increases in size and becomes painful. If POAG is left untreated, increased pressure in the eye leads to optic nerve damage and gradual loss of vision.
Primary lens luxation is a spontaneous dislocation of the crystalline lens from the patellar fossa of the eye as a result of breakdown of the lens zonules. Dislocation of the crystalline lens leads to loss of vision. In most instances, PLL goes undetected until one of the lenses is grossly displaced from the patellar fossa.
POAG-PLL in Shar pei occur as autosomal recessive traits. All affected dogs will develop POAG or PLL or both of them.

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.