Dogs helped by discovery of sight loss gene

Scientists have discovered a change in the genetic code of Border Collies that is linked to sudden blindness.

The findings have led to a new genetic test for a severe version of the condition—called goniodysgenesis or gonio—to help breeders avoid producing affected pups.

Eye condition

Severe gonio is an inherited condition in which the dogs' eyes don't develop properly. In some dogs, it can lead to a disease called glaucoma, which causes sudden .

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, collected DNA from dog saliva samples and compared those that had healthy eyes to those with symptoms of severe gonio.

New tests

They identified a mutation in the gene called OLFML3—which is involved in the early stages of development of the eyeball. All of the dogs that went blind had two copies of the mutated gene.

Several companies have now developed genetic tests that spot the mutation in a dog's DNA to help breeders avoid producing puppies at risk of going blind.

"We are delighted that our findings have directly led to a genetic test for this condition. We hope our research will help to reduce the number of dogs that go blind from this disease," Dr. Carys Pugh, Research Fellow, University of Edinburgh.

Inherited disease

Sudden blindness was first seen in Border Collies in Australia in the late 1990s. When it appeared in the UK – in dogs related to the Australian – breeders suspected it may have a .

The study, published in the journal G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics, was funded by the Dogs Trust Canine Welfare Grant programme and the Pastoral Breeds Health Foundation.

More information: Carys A. Pugh et al. Arginine to Glutamine Variant in Olfactomedin Like 3 (OLFML3) Is a Candidate for Severe Goniodysgenesis and Glaucoma in the Border Collie Dog Breed, G3: Genes|Genomes|Genetics (2019). DOI: 10.1534/g3.118.200944

Citation: Dogs helped by discovery of sight loss gene (2019, March 27) retrieved 28 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2019-03-dogs-discovery-sight-loss-gene.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Scheme launched to improve health of french bulldogs, pugs and bulldogs

1 shares

Feedback to editors