A rare case of aphakia associated with anterior segment malformation in a cocker spaniel puppy.

This report describes a rare case of bilateral congenital aphakia with anterior segment malformation in a 12-week-old male cocker spaniel puppy. The puppy was initially suspected of having glaucoma and was subsequently diagnosed with anterior segment dysgenesis and aphakia resulting in blindness. Ophthalmic examination showed corneal opacity, absence of pupillary openings, and negative pupillary light reflexes. B-mode and high-frequency ultrasonography showed absence of the lens, poorly defined anterior chambers, and hyperechoic tissue adherent to the cornea, consistent with anterior segment dysgenesis. Unlike in similar cases in other species, enucleation was not indicated due to ocular stability and absence of discomfort. The puppy demonstrated functional adaptation to blindness and remained under close ophthalmic monitoring. This case underscores the diagnostic value of ultrasonography in identifying congenital aphakia and associated anterior segment abnormalities in dogs, facilitating early diagnosis and management. Key clinical message: Congenital aphakia is a rare developmental ocular abnormality that may occur with other anterior segment defects. Ocular ultrasonography is a valuable, noninvasive, diagnostic tool for evaluating intraocular structures when direct intraocular examination is not possible.