In the past 3 years, Toivo was examined by 3 ACVO (American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists) vets who all offered different opinions. One said it is remnants of the hyaloid membrane and a non-issue, another said it is a punctate cataract on the lens, and another said it is a punctate on the lens capsule, NOT on the lens. So, we have multiple professionals in disagreement as to diagnosis/cause. I know of several similar cases relative to cataract diagnoses, ACVO/CERF examiners, and room for interpretation. Veterinary eye specialists don't always agree on type, shape, size, location, and breeding implications of cataract diagnoses. A punctate opacity is not a black and white issue. Sometimes, these types of opacities disappear or dissolve. (Is that a cataract or something else?).

Toivo has a lot to offer to the breed, including excellent health in all areas. We will continue to use him selectively and carefully in our breeding programs. We will also consider letting others use him selectively, provided the pedigree is very clean for cataracts, punctate or other. Clearly Toivo's sight is not affected as he shows no signs whatsoever of vision problems. He jumps fences and climbs ex-pens in the dark, he herds with no problems. There is nothing to indicate this little spot on his eye is vision affecting in any way. We would NOT consider using him for breeding if his eye issue was vision affecting. We are still in the process of getting the owners of Toivo's offspring to have CERF checks done (all are relatively young). There is no history of any other type of eye problem such as pannus in Toivo's lines.