This is an eye problem which has been present in other breeds such as the Labrador and Golden Retriever, but is now a health issue for Staffordshire Bull terriers,
It is very unclear how this disease is passed down; experts believe that it has more than likely appeared due to a mutated gene in early breeding lines. It can occur at any age in a dogs life (reported cases have been anywhere from 10 months to over 10 years) it cannot be detected through litter screening and is not related to juvenile Hereditary Cataracts (HC) Dogs can test clear for years, then test positive for the illness, which is why breeding dogs must be checked every year.
The disease manifests itself as small punctuate (spot–like) cataracts, which are often difficult to initially detect. The cataracts themselves do not generally lead to total blindness in affected dogs (although there have been some documented cases where dogs have lost their site)
It is essential that the illness is removed from breeding lines to ensure it doesn't spread and cause issues in more dogs in the future. The only way to screen for this disease is through a BVA eye test and breeding dogs must be tested clear ANNUALLY to ensure that litters will not be affected.
