Hereditary eye disease

Understanding hereditary eye disease in dogs.

What hereditary eye conditions do dogs suffer from?

There are many types of hereditary eye disease, both congenital (conditions that exist from birth or soon after birth) and non-congenital (conditions that develop later in life), that affect dogs. Many of these conditions can have serious effects on health and welfare, causing pain, blindness, or the need for lifelong medication, and should be taken into consideration when breeding dogs.

Below are four of the most common eye diseases dogs suffer from:

Hereditary cataract (HC)

A clouding of the lens within the eye. It is caused by abnormal genetic factors passed from one generation to the next.

Generalised progressive retinal atrophy (G-PRA)

A wasting over time of the light sensitive cells needed for vision that are found in the retina within the eye. It is caused by abnormal genetic factors and is passed from one generation to the next.

Focal/multifocal retinal dysplasia (MRD)

An abnormality of development of the light sensitive layer of the eye, the retina. It occurs whilst the puppy is developing within the womb before it is born. It is caused by abnormal genetic factors and is passed from one generation to the next.

Persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV)

The persistence of an eye tissue that develops within the womb that should normally waste away at or shortly after birth.

Read our dedicated leaflet on eye disease in dogs

Our leaflet, written by our panel of experts, takes a deep dive into the complexities of eye disease across all breed types.

Download here

CHS Eye examinations

The Canine Health Schemes eye examinations screen for the following diseases:

Glaucoma: There are two types of inherited glaucoma, Primary Closed Angle Glaucoma (PCAG/PACG) and Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG). The examination for PCAG/PACG is called gonioscopy and if you wish to have this completed, please make the request when booking your appointment. Gonioscopy is not required for the diagnosis of POAG.

CHS offers litter screening for congenital hereditary conditions such as collie eye anomaly and multifocal retinal dysplasia, when the puppies are 5 to 12 weeks old.

DNA tests are available for some inherited diseases, and should be complementary with an annual routine physical examination with a BVA appointed Veterinary Ophthalmologist to provide a complete overview of your dog’s eye health.

Congenital/Neonatal eye conditions (inherited conditions present at birth):

(CEA) Collie eye anomaly
(MRD) Multifocal retinal dysplasia
(TRD) Total retinal dysplasia
(CHC) Congenital hereditary cataract
(PHPV) Persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous
(PLA) Pectinate ligament abnormality

Inherited conditions that develop later in life:

(HC) Hereditary cataract
(PLL) Primary lens luxation
(POAG) Primary open angle glaucoma
(PRA) Progressive retinal atrophy
(RPED) Retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy

Other eye conditions which may be identified during the examination include:

Distichiasis
Ectopic cilia
Trichiasis
Entropion
Ectropion
Combined entropion/ectropion
Corneal lipid deposition
Ocular Melanosis
Persistent pupillary membrane
Various lens conditions
Various retinal conditions
Optic nerve hypoplasia
Multi-ocular defects

What are the signs of eye disease in dogs?

The signs of eye disease vary depending on the specific condition and between individual dogs and breeds. Some visible signs may include:

Redness
Dilated pupil
Discharge
Cloudy appearance

It is important to check the eyes of older dogs and to discuss any concerns with your vet.

Can canine eye disease be treated?

Treatment will depend on the disease itself. It is important to remember that even dogs with severe eye conditions usually adapt well to life with reduced vision.

If you have any queries, speak to your local vet.

Breeding for health

All pedigree and crossbred dogs can suffer from inherited diseases which are passed on from parent to puppy.

Health testing and screening allows owners and breeders to screen for inherited diseases, the results can then be used to help make sure that only healthy dogs are bred from. Responsible breeders should always health test the dogs they plan to use for breeding. To make sure you are buying a happy and healthy puppy, always ask to see the relevant health test results for both parents.

Learn more about our eye scheme