When your dog is in the womb, a membrane covers the pupil of each eye. The membrane allows blood to be supplied to the developing eyes. Just before your dog is born, the membranes start to disappear and become absorbed by the body. After birth, the membranes continue to regress, and they should be fully absorbed by the time your puppy is 6 weeks old. Sometimes, however, a portion of the membrane remains present. This condition is called persistent pupillary membranes.

Symptoms depend upon how many membrane strands are still present, how the membrane is attached, and the locations in which the membrane is attached. You may be able to see small white spots on your dog's eye. Severe cases can cause blindness. In general, however, the main problem is that the condition can lead to secondary eye problems such as cataracts and damage to the cornea.

A genetic link is established in certain breeds and highly suspected for all dogs.

Your vet will make a diagnosis based upon a thorough physical examination of your dog’s eye(s).

If your dog only has a mild persistent pupillary membrane with no accompanying secondary problems, your vet may elect not to treat the condition. If inflammation and eye irritation occur, these will be treated with medication.

You should not breed a dog who has this condition. Likewise, you should not acquire a dog with a family history of this condition.

No, you cannot contract persistent pupillary membranes from your dog.