How common is hereditary cataracts in goldies? My 3 yr old has them in both eyes (however she wasn't very well bred and had no health tests-she was an accident) and we have reccently had a pup brought to work who has a cataract in one eye, and shes only 3 months and was properly bred. My vet says that these 2 are the first ones shes seen, and is wondering if it is getting to be a more common problem?

I have friends who have a golden with one - she's a well bred dog from a reputable breeder. Their other dogs are OK though. Other friends with goldens don't have a problem, that I'm aware of. But don't know how common, I'm afraid. The KC breed records supplement lists dogs which have been eye tested over that quarter, and whether affected or unaffected by certain eye conditions. Most of the Goldens tested seem to be unaffected. :)

I personally believe that the are a few more being diagnosed with cataracts than there used to be. However, when you get 'reputable' people allowing their dog to be used when the sister has had cataracts from a young age then there is always going to be a problem!. Sorry but being very controversial on this subject.