To say that we were excited about our pending UC Davis genetic tests is an understatement. We were even more excited about Cedric and Nova’s CAER eye exam. It seems silly, but when you’re working towards building a solid foundation, it is only natural to get excited about an independent entity validating what you know to be true…unless they don’t.
Going into our OFA eye exam, we expected nothing out of the ordinary. Both Cedric and Nova have not had any eye issues, with seemingly perfect vision. No extreme weeping, no squinting (aside from the classic Pembroke Welsh Corgi side-eye), and no indication that anything could be wrong.
The good news? Regardless of the results, we have amazing companions.
Upon initial examination, it was found that Cedric’s left eye has a very, very slight incipient cataract. It is just ever so slightly marked, almost forming a “J” shape, and does not appear to bother him in the slightest.
The veterinarian asked if there was any trauma that could account for this, but we could not think of any. Since there was no evidence of any past trauma, this would likely be a hereditary condition.
So what does that mean, exactly? It means that Cedric the Great has had his final curtain call and will be retiring from showing. It also means that he will be removed from the breeding pool. As much as we love Cedric, and fully believe that he has what it takes to positively contribute to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, even considering breeding at this point is highly irresponsible.
For Nova, the ophthalmologist noted the medial aspect of the lens equator is visible, even without stretched zonules or vitreous in the anterior chamber. All that to say, this could be evidence of lens subluxation. While she may pass OFA with “Breeder Option,” we do not feel comfortable including that in any future breeding program.
We cannot stress how hard of a blow this is to us. We love both of these animals and believe they each have a lot to offer the Pembroke Welsh Corgi as a breed, but the reason we do testing like this is to see beyond what our eyes can see.
This is also why we feel it is important to be transparent in our journey. We want people to hold us, and other breeders, accountable. Even if we’re not breeding at this moment, we must share the good, the bad, and the ugly.
In terms of our future, we have Bodie as a foundation girl, and we will be searching for a new foundation male.