Persistent Hyperplastic Tunica Vasculosa Lentis (PHTVL) and Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous (PHPV)(PHTVL/PHPL)
Also known as: Persistent Hyperplastic Tunica Vasculosa Lentis · Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous · PHTVL/PHPV · PHPV · PHTVL · …
Overview
What it is
This is a congenital eye disorder where the temporary blood vessel network that nourishes the lens before birth fails to shrink and disappear as it normally should. Instead, this embryonic tissue remains and grows abnormally behind and around the lens. This can cause cloudiness in the lens, known as cataracts, and other structural changes inside the eye.
How it presents
Owners may notice a whitish or cloudy appearance in the puppy's pupil, or signs of vision loss such as bumping into things. The condition is present from birth and is typically detected during a veterinary eye exam between 6 and 9 weeks of age.
Treatment
Mild cases may only need regular monitoring, while severe cases may require specialized surgery to remove cataracts or abnormal tissue. Treatment costs range from €300 for diagnostic monitoring to €4,500 for complex surgical intervention.
How it's tested
ECVO Augenuntersuchung (DOK)(ECVO-DOK)
Primary testEye examAugenuntersuchung durch ECVO-zertifizierten Augentierarzt (Dortmunder Kreis). Erkennt PRA, Katarakt, Entropium, CEA, MPP, RD u.a.
Issuing body: ECVO
Result scheme: Eye-ECVO
Affected breeds
24 of 36 breeds
AkitaRecommended standard
Dutch SchapendoesRecommended standard
East Siberian LaikaRecommended standard
Greenland DogRecommended standard
HokkaidoRecommended standard
Icelandic SheepdogRecommended standard
JämthundRecommended standard
Karelian Bear DogRecommended standard
Kintamani-Bali DogRecommended standard
KishuRecommended standard
KomondorRecommended standard
Korean JindoRecommended standard
LapinporokoiraRecommended standard
Miniature SchnauzerRecommended standard
MudiRecommended standard
Norwegian BuhundRecommended standard
Norwegian Elkhound (Black)Recommended standard
Norwegian Elkhound (Gray)Recommended standard
Norwegian LundehundRecommended standard
PuliRecommended standard
PumiRecommended standard
SamoyedRecommended standard
ShikokuRecommended standard
Smooth-haired DachshundRecommended standard
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment costs. Actual costs depend on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked questions
What is Persistent Hyperplastic Tunica Vasculosa Lentis (PHTVL) and Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous (PHPV)?
This is a congenital eye disorder where the temporary blood vessel network that nourishes the lens before birth fails to shrink and disappear as it normally should. Instead, this embryonic tissue remains and grows abnormally behind and around the lens. This can cause cloudiness in the lens, known as cataracts, and other structural changes inside the eye.
How is Persistent Hyperplastic Tunica Vasculosa Lentis (PHTVL) and Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous (PHPV) tested?
Tests currently in our database: ECVO Augenuntersuchung (DOK).
Which breeds are most affected?
Most commonly affected: Akita, Dutch Schapendoes, East Siberian Laika, Greenland Dog, Hokkaido, Icelandic Sheepdog, Jämthund, Karelian Bear Dog.