Determination of normal values of full-field electroretinogram in Poodle dogs with cataract according to age

Electroretinogram (ERG) is an objective and noninvasive diagnostic tool for the evaluation of retinal function, capable to detect early, lesions of the outermost layers in several species of animals. One of its main indications is to evaluate pre-surgical patients for cataract surgery. The determination of normal ERG values is essential if the aim is, by measuring the values; aid the diagnosis of retinal degeneration, despite of the presence of media opacity (cataract). The objective of this study was to standardize the values of electroretinogram responses in Poodle dogs with mature or hypermature cataract, submitted to the same sedation and dark adaptation protocol. using a portable electrodiagnostic system, RPM 200. In all animals, the ophthalmologic examination preceded ERG. Animals were divided into four groups according to age: 1 to 3 years (GI), 4 to 7 years (GII), 8 to 11 years (GIII) and 12 or more years (GIV). Peak-to-peak amplitude (peak of a-wave to peak of b-wave) and b-wave implicit time were measured in rod response and in maximal response and cone response. Dogs with decreased or absent responses were excluded from the study. GI presented decrease in amplitudes of the three responses and increase in b-wave implicit time of rod response when compared with the other groups. B-wave implicit times in maximal response and cone response were practically unaltered in all four groups. It was concluded that there was age-dependent changes in electroretinographic parameters, with decreased amplitudes in rod response, maximal response and Colic response. Delay in b-wave implicit time was observed in rod response and unchanged in the two others tested responses of animals subjected to the same ERG protocol.