Primary Lens Luxation ****UPDATE***2012***
Since this page was made in November 2009, we have taken great care to test every dog we breed to, so that we would be able to avoid crossing carrier dogs and affected dogs in our program. As of now, the only dog we have left at our home, or who is co-owned, that is a PLL Carrier, is Radar, who will be retiring in the next year or so. All of our dogs are now PLL NORMAL either by DNA testing, or by having two clear parents!!
This page was created to put a face to an issue that has been ticking like a time bomb in the Rat Terrier breed for a while now...
Below are some links to explain what PLL is, and how it's treated. Ladybug's story and some links about how breeders can get away from this issue with the new DNA testing that is available. Prior to just a month ago (Oct. 2009) there was NO test, and no way of knowing other than anecdotal evidence whether the issue was in a line, or even how it was inherited. Now we know that A. It's a autosomal recessive, and B. that it is something we can breed away from IF we test and are careful not to cross carriers.
I strongly recommend pet insurance, if you only have one or two dogs this might help you in the long run, for less $ in some cases, than a bag of kibble, a policy premium for Rat Terriers is fairly inexpensive at the moment. The program below offers coverage for Specialists, ER visits, and Breed specific health issues that can sometimes cost thousands of dollars. No networks so no worries about needing a referral to get to the ER or specialist. This is the best plan I've found so far, if you have something better tell us about it by signing the guest book below. Thanks!
Date(s): November 2009, Update Nov 2012. Album by carmeta french. 1 - 17 of 17 Total. 5901 Visits.
One of my vet friends recommends this company for pet insurance:
https://www.petsbest.com/ - Theresa, Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:10AM
Carmenta I want to personally thank you for putting this information on your site. I am having my dogs tested, and you have made it much easier for me to go right to the OFA site to order my DNA kits. Thank you and God Bless. - Cindy Schriber | www.imageevent.com/pecatonica, Sun, 15 Nov 2009 5:57AM
1 Diagnosis confirming PLL
2 We just received the estimate today, by e-mail. The Surgery cost is less than expected (Praise God!) it's about $2600
3 Vet Bill - for emergency and treatment to stabilize Ladybug when her luxation occurred.
4 Highly recommended, she did a wonderful job treating Ladybug... knew her stuff and was very helpful!!
5 11/13/09 - Rushing Ladybug to the Emergency Vet's eye specialist.
6 Emergency vet specialists in the Burlington area...a long drive, a great clinic.
8 Blue/cloudy eye w/ discharge - signs of a lens luxation emergency
9 Bug after her lens was put back in place, $358 later...
10 Eye Meds will be $65-85 per 3 wk cycle
11 Surgery should be performed, but that is $2693 plus monthly meds
12 Buddy L, also affected puppy from this litter. We have received permission to aquire his records from the same hospital that saw Ladybug. His documents reveal the extensive treatment he has received, as well as how much his family loves him. It is just so humbling...and makes us more determined to eradicate this issue from our dog breeding scheme. Nobody should have to go through all this now that there is a DNA test available...
