A cataract is described as when the eye develops an opacity, a white film, of the ocular lens or its capsule.  Juvenile Cataracts are those that develop at an early stage in life.  Some puppies developed the initial lesion that were less than six months old.  The use of a slit lamp, also known as a biomicroscope, is required to diagnose cataracts.
     It is thought that juvenile cataracts are autosomal recessive, that is genetically passed from one generation to the next. In order for any autosomal recessive characteristic to appear in an offspring, both parents must either be carriers, or have the recessive characteristic.  Some breeds of dog have a higher incidence of the disorder than others.  It is imperative that breeders exercise caution to prevent the spread of this disease throughout their bloodlines.