Golden Retriever Pigmentary Uveitis (GRPU) is an inflammatory eye disease found in that breed and dogs crossed with Golden Retrievers. The disease tends to appears in dogs around 8 to 8.5 years old, but has been diagnosed in Goldens from as young as 4 to as old as 14. Also known as pigmentary uveitis, it includes a variety of clinical eye problems that accumulate over time and result in vision loss. Early detection is difficult, but one of the first signs is the development of cysts in the eyes. Yet not all cysts result in GRPU. Some Golden Retrievers may have cysts and never experience any problems. However, once inflammation starts, the disease can progress into glaucoma, which is an increased pressure within the eye, and leads to blindness. There is no cure for Golden Retriever Pigmentary Uveitis, but if detected early steps can be taken to slow the progression, and preserve the vision for as long as possible. The following is Asa’s journey with GRPU.

We first learned about GRPU in 2018 when a littermate of Chuck Billy started having eye issues. We brought them to an ophthalmologist for an eye exam beyond what is traditionally done during routine annual physicals with a primary veterinarian. It was at that time, just shy of his fourth birthday, that the ophthalmologist found cysts in Asa’s eyes.

At that time the cysts were noted, but not of concern. As the eye specialist explained, iris cysts are common. They are benign, fluid filled cysts that form in Goldens. An iris cyst originates from the tissue on the back side of the iris, and then breaks loose and floats into the front chamber of the eye, behind the cornea and in front of the iris. These cysts typically do not adversely affect vision, and dogs can go about life and never have any problems. However, it did mean that Asa was at risk for developing Golden Retriever Pigmentary Uveitis. Cysts can obstruct the flow of fluids in the eyes, making it possible for the cornea and the lens to stick together, and for pressure to build. To prevent this Asa began using nightly eyedrops.

Every 4 to 6 months since that initial exam we took Asa for check ups. Most exams were status quo, with the only changes being the occasional new cyst. The pressure in his eyes remained in the normal range, and there were no other symptoms. However in January 2022 the ophthalmologist noticed one of the cysts filled with blood signifying inflammation, and that the disease may be progressing. However, even then we were assured not to panic because the eye can potentially heal itself with the aid of additional medication. Which is exactly what happened, the eyedrops worked! A few months later when Asa returned for a follow up we received the good news that the blood-filled cyst deflated. The eye specialist could detect a little scarring and adhesion in the eye where the blood-filled cyst once was located, and a small cataract in Asa’s other eye. But assured us that there was no sign that either were affecting his vision, and more importantly there was a lack of significant progression of GRPU. However, longterm use of the steroid eyedrops that Asa was prescribed can cause side effects. Corneal haze was developing in his eyes in December 2022. Thus began a delicate balancing act of treating the GRPU, while preventing damage from the treatment itself.

We thought we were on the right track, but Asa’s eyes had other plans. One afternoon in January 2023, we noticed there was blood in Asa’s left iris. The brown part of Asa’s eye had turned a subtle maroon color, that was not visible that morning when we gave him his eyedrops. As instructed by his ophthalmologist, he was immediately taken to the emergency room. At that exam, the source for the blood could not be found, and possibilities ranged from a burst cyst, to a retinal tear from head trauma, to cancer. Asa was prescribed a new combination of eyedrops and oral medications, with the plan he’d be checked every two weeks. Again we thought we were on the right track, because by the first two week appointment the pressure in his eye had returned to well within the normal range, and Asa was showing no signs of discomfort. Yes, the blood remained, but it was felt that the medications were working.

However, by the followup on the fourth week, we received the news that the disease was winning. As our eye specialist explained, GRPU usually leads to glaucoma. Asa decided to take a different route, and his resulted in a painful condition called Iris Bombe. Asa’s left eye was blind, and would need to be removed to avoid the pressure building causing excruciating pain. At that time though, Asa still wasn’t displaying any signs of even the slightest discomfort, and surgery was scheduled for March. That all changed the following day when he awoke in severe pain, and required emergency surgery to remove the left eye.

We are grateful that the surgery went well, Asa is healing, and adjusting to life with one eye. However, there was still the question of what caused it to escalate so quickly. Based on the pathology report, the ophthalmologist said that the rapid progression of Golden Retriever Pigmentary Uveitis was likely due to a “series of unfortunate events.” A cyst hemorrhage was likely caused by pressure building in the eye from leakage from the build up of fibrovascular membranes associated with GRPU. Combined they led to a blockage of the drain in the pupil, and the build up of fluids led to increased pressure in his eye causing the Iris Bombe. Or at least that’s what we gathered from our visit. We’re not veterinarians.

So where do we go from here? Good question! Because of the nature of this dreaded disease, it is possible that the same scenario could happen in Asa’s right eye, he could develop glaucoma, or if we are really lucky the continued use of eyedrops could prolong Asa’s vision without incident. We just don’t know. What we do know is Asa will need to take precautions to protect his right eye, especially when being active. We also need to make adjustments to help him adapt to life with one eye, and perhaps eventual blindness. Yet with that said, he also got the ok to resume activity and enjoying life again, and that is exactly what Asa will do!

We don’t know where this journey will lead, but we are grateful for Asa’s early detection. Although it did not prevent the loss of his eye, if left untreated the disease may have progressed sooner. We are also grateful for the care Asa has received over the years from his ophthalmologists as they navigate this relatively new disease in Golden Retrievers. GRPU was first detected in the 1990s, and there is still much to be learned about it. Speaking of learning, we are NOT doctors, and cannot answer your questions. But we can direct you to sources to help you learn more about Golden Retriever Pigmentary Uveitis: “Golden Retriever Uveitis—What Dog Owners Need to Know” (Veterinary Vision Center), “Diagnostic Criteria for Golden Retriever Pigmentary Uveitis” (AKC Canine Health Foundation), and “In the Blink of an Eye – Understanding Pigmentary Uveitis in Golden Retrievers” (Morris Animal Foundation). It is our hope that by sharing Asa’s experience, we can help raise awareness about this disease, and encourage Golden Retriever owners to have a discussion with their veterinarians.