Primary Hereditary Cataract
Body function: Eyes
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Primary hereditary cataracts is an eye disorder affecting Australian Shepherds. A genetic mutation in the HSF4 gene causes cataracts to form in both eyes as young as 2 years of age. Dogs with only one copy of the mutation tend to develop posterior cataracts that do not interfere with vision. In contrast, dogs with two copies of the mutation tend to have more severe and rapidly progressing nuclear cataracts.
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