Re: Persistant pupillary membranes

Betsy O'Shea (boshea@oz.sunflower.org)
Fri, 01 Nov 1996 10:55:31 -0600

I am familiar with PPM because it is a common congenital, inherited eye
defect in the Basenji dog, which I bred and showed for a number of years.
the severity depends on the number of strands present and where they are
attached. If they are attached only to the iris, there is no problem, but if
they are also attached to the lens or cornea, there can be opacity or a
problem with accomodation or the ability to constrict the pupil. If there
are no vision problems, it is not a big deal and some strands can regress
with maturity. I would not breed such an animal however. I believe a slit
lamp is needed for diagnosis. I know I always took my puppies to a
veterinary teaching hospital to be examined by a board certified vet
ophthalmologist. I do not know about it in horses, but understand it is also
found in cats.
Betsy O'Shea and Afterglow
Paola, Kansas