DNA Testing for Eye Disease

It has been known for many years that certain breeds of dog develop certain eye diseases. For many of them a genetic cause has been confirmed and this has lead to the formation of a joint BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme which relies upon examination of the eye by a qualified and approved veterinary surgeon.

In Labrador Retrievers the scheme covers the following conditions :

Total retinal dysplasia

Generalised progressive retinal atrophy

Central progressive retinal atrophy

Hereditary cataract

Mapping of the genetic structure of dog chromosomes is currently well underway. This is a multinational multisite collaborative venture and within the next 5 years we should be able to identify the genes responsible for many of the common inherited diseases that we see.

Hereditary eye diseases are some of the first clinical disorders which will have their specific gene identified. Once this has been done, it will be possible to run a test on the DNA in saliva (or other tissue) to see whether or not a dog has the gene responsible for a specific hereditary condition. This type of screening should greatly improve our chances of eliminating these serious conditions from affected breeds once and for all.

Whether or not affected dogs can be treated by having their gene sequence changed (so-called gene therapy) remains to be seen.

Go here for more details about the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme

This page will be further updated shortly

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