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For the Doberman, one concern is Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous/ Persistent Hyperplastic Tunica Vasculosa Lentis (PHPV/PHTVL).  For cairn terriers, there are a couple eye issues which can be detected by yearly or every other year screening by a specialized veterinarian. In both breeds there are eye issues which can be genetic in nature, though, of course, any dog can develop cataracts "naturally" as a result of the aging processes. 
It is so easy to do a simple, inexpensive eye screening and, due to its genetic nature, dedicated breeders could very soon remove genetic eye disease from their breeds.  I can't give you any reason for it not to be done. 
Health Testing: EYE DISEASE/CATARACTS
For more information on eye disease in Cairn terriers and Dobermans, please click the link below.  Here at DanBar Ranch I do regular screening of breeding dogs and report ALL results (pass or fail) to the OFA. 

CAIRN TERRIER EYE HEALTH

DOBERMAN EYE HEALTH 
IS THERE A PROBLEM?

As of 2024 Cairn Terriers are ranked 9th worse out of 225 breeds for eye abnormalities at 9% of submitted reports failing. 

Dobermans are 132 out of 225 breeds with 3.9% of submitted reports failing. 



Buyer beware...

I have spoken out for years that breeders who consider themselves "ethical" MUST screen their breeding dogs and MUST report to the OFA all results - pass or fail.  Why? Because without that information researchers cannot help our breeds, and puppy buyers can't be made aware of the REAL risks they face for specific disease in the breed of their choice. 

So why do so very few breeders take this simple but so important step for their dogs and breed?  Sadly, the excuses are many...  Some suggest the cost is prohibitive.  But in reality, most puppy buyers would rather pay a slight increase in purchase price to thousands in veterinarian bills when they discover their dog has a preventable disease later in life.

Some "breeders" claim to do health testing but insist they don't feel the need to pay the small fee to register it with the OFA.  It is hard to know if they are being truthful, as some breeders have been known to have ONE x-ray of a dog with excellent features, which they show to the unknowing puppy buyer as "proof" that which ever dog they need to be x-rayed, is, indeed, x-rayed.  Add to that the fact that the average puppy buyer does not know what they are looking at in an x-ray, and will be fooled by whatever the "breeder" tells them.  This is why the OFA has a panel of specialist evaluating the films!

Bottom line, a serious and ethical breeder SUPPORTS the OFA in the very important research they do. Sure, it hurts the ego to send in a dog you own or bred that may not pass a health screening, but the resulting information that gives researchers and fellow breeders is SO important to the welfare of the breed.  Putting the breed first means walking the walk, not just talking the talk. 
Azula - a young daughter of Czech Republic Import "Lancer" and IABCA Int. Ch. DanBar Darque Energy.  A hybrid of pure working line Doberman with pure show line Doberman.  The working line dogs add longevity and good health, the show line dogs add beauty.