RETINAL DEGENERATION IN A PIT BULL DOG: ELECTRORETINOGRAPHIC FINDINGS

ABSTRACT – Electroretinogram (ERG) is a non-invasive electrophysiologic test widely used in both human and veterinary ophthalmology to evaluate retinal function. Case report: due to recent cases of severe visual impairment in Pit Bull dogs in our clinic, we decided to evaluate the retinal function by full-field ERG in a 5-month-old male Pit Bull dog whose owner have noticed visual impairment since 40 days of age. Under general anesthesia, the dog was submitted to full-field ERG testing, according to ISCEV (International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision) standard protocol. ERG recordings were obtained in one eye after 30 minutes of dark adaptation from a fully dilated pupil, using a monopolar contact lens electrode. Non-detectable scotopic and photopic responses were found, confirming the devastating effect of the retinal degeneration. Conclusion: ERG was able to quantify the severity of retinal degeneration on retinal function. We believe that heredogram study of these animals may be helpful to better understand this new retinal condition affecting Pit Bull dogs. Key-words: electroretinography, dog, retinal degeneration, Pit Bull. RESUMO – O eletrorretinograma (ERG) consiste em exame objetivo, não invasivo, capa