Genetic canine blindness may soon be eradicated, thanks to a novel examination
In a groundbreaking discovery, a team of scientists led by Katherine Stanbury from the University of Cambridge has identified a new genetic variant responsible for Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) in English Shepherds. This condition, affecting over 100 breeds, has no treatment and can lead to full blindness.
The team carried out whole genome sequencing on Shola and her brother's DNA, and while neither of them had genetic variants previously associated with PRA, they found a new variant. This discovery paved the way for the development of a £48 DNA test that shows whether dogs have two, one, or no copies of the new PRA variant.
With this test, English Shepherd parents can identify PRA early in their dogs, potentially avoiding breeding affected dogs. Carriers of the PRA variant, which have one copy, can still be bred, but only with dogs that have no copies to eliminate PRA from the breed.
The symptoms of PRA may not appear until dogs are a few years old. It affects the light-sensitive cells at the back of the eye, and in its early stages, it can first affect vision in dimmer lighting. As the condition progresses, it can lead to full blindness.
Shola, an English Shepherd who has had puppies, played a crucial role in this research. Her offspring, including two daughters who completed mountain rescue training with Mountain Rescue England, and one son who is a therapy dog, have all contributed to the understanding of this condition.
One of Shola's offspring recently saved a man's life, demonstrating the vital role that dogs play in our lives beyond their vision. It is important to note that while dogs are not completely color blind, they have dichromatic vision, meaning they see colors but only within a limited spectrum, primarily shades of blue and yellow.
The development of this DNA test is a significant step towards eliminating PRA from the English Shepherd breed and ensuring the health and wellbeing of these incredible animals.
[1] Parkin, T. (2018). Dog Vision. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/dog-vision
[2] Progressive Retinal Atrophy. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/eye-disorders/progressive-retinal-atrophy-in-dogs
[3] Dog Vision. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/dog-vision/
[4] Dog Vision. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/why-do-dogs-see-yellow-better-than-red
[5] Dog Vision. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/evr_dg_dog_vision
- The new genetic variant discovered by Katherine Stanbury's team can cause Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), a condition affecting over 100 dog breeds, including English Shepherds.
- The team developed a £48 DNA test to identify whether dogs have the new PRA variant, potentially allowing breeders to avoid breeding affected dogs.
- Carriers of the PRA variant, which have one copy, can still be bred, but only with dogs that have no copies to eliminate PRA from the breed.
- PRA affects the light-sensitive cells at the back of the eye and, in its early stages, can first affect vision in dimmer lighting.
- It is important to note that while dogs are not completely color blind, they have dichromatic vision, meaning they see colors but only within a limited spectrum, primarily shades of blue and yellow.
- This discovery in eye-health and medical-conditions research can contribute to the understanding of other health-and-wellness concerns in dogs, especially since dogs play a crucial role in our lives, as demonstrated by Shola's offspring who are mountain rescue and therapy dogs.
- Further studies on dog vision, such as those found in [1], [3], [4], and [5], can provide more insights into the canine visual system and help develop treatments for various medical-conditions.
- Technology plays a significant role in advancing pet health and fitness-and-exercise, as demonstrated by the DNA test, and must continue to be leveraged to promote better mental-health, nutrition, and overall health-and-wellness for our pets, just as we strive for our own health through medical and technological advancements.
