Cataracts in Fish – Gross Pathology and Histopathology

We have recently seen a high incidence of cataracts in farmed salmon in several European countries, Canada, and Chile. Salmonids depend on vision for normal feed intake and, not surprisingly, cataracts have been shown to reduce feed conversion efficiency and growth rates, which ultimately raise the cost of rearing fish. Consequently, cataracts can have a significant economic impact on salmonid aquaculture. It is important to note at the outset that “cataracts” is a clinical definition, and their presence does not necessarily mean that changes can...

Cataracts in Salmonids – Gross Pathology

Atlantic salmon with cataract. Note that the opacity occupies more than 75% of the lens.

Cataracts are changes in the clarity of the lens so that it appears cloudy. Such changes are a clinical or gross diagnosis, and there may be no histopathological correlate. Nevertheless, opacity of the lens results in reduced ability to see. Cataracts may be divided into primary or secondary disease. In primary cataract, opacity of the lens is the only sign of disease in the eye, while in secondary cataract the lens changes occur as a consequence of other intraocular disease. A wide variety of causes...

totop