Hereditary Eye Disorders
The eyes of English Springer Spaniels are susceptible to a number of genetic-based disorders, some of which are present at birth and others that may develop at various times throughout life.
Retinal Dysplasia (RD)
Retinal Dysplasia (RD) is a congenital defect in the development and layering of the retina resulting in folding and abnormal growth of cells especially in the outer retina. Studies indicate that RD in the ESS is inherited; a congenital disorder developing around 48 day’s gestation. Affected puppies are born with the lesions already present. Abnormalities can be diagnosed by a certified veterinary ophthalmologist when puppies are 7 to 12 weeks old. Retinal dysplasia should not affect a dog's ability to function as a pet; however, affected ESS should not be bred.
Learn more about Retinal Dysplasia (RD) in the links below:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retinal_dysplasia
http://www.essfta.org/english-springers/health-genetics-and-research-faq/#eyes
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Progressive retinal atrophy or degeneration (PRA or PRD) is the name for several diseases that are progressive and lead to blindness. First recognized at the beginning of the 20th century in Gordon Setters, this inherited condition has been documented in over 100 breeds.
What is PRA?
PRA is a degeneration of the layers of the retina that are responsible for vision. The disease is progressive, eventually resulting in blindness. The onset in Springers is variable, but usually occurs between 2 and 6 years of age. The disorder is still considered rare; however, its incidence has increased in recent years. There is no pain or discomfort for the dog but, unfortunately, there is no treatment. Responsible breeders pay close attention to the eyes of their breeding stock throughout the dogs' lives, monitoring puppies and adults for the development of hereditary eye disorders.
What is Affected, Carrier, Normal in PRA?
A dog can be tested for the genetic likelihood of PRA by having a blood test and/or a cheek swab done by a certified laboratory. To understand the ramification of the results, a knowledge of genetics may be required to understand dominant and recessive genes. A simplified version is supplied here. Three different options are possible for a dog with respect to the PRA gene. A dog that has two recessive genes for PRA is said to be “CLEAR”. There should be no risk of the animal coming down with PRA. It has not received a dominant PRA gene from its sire or its dam. A dog that has two dominant genes for PRA is said to be “AFFECTED”. This does not mean that the dog will come down with PRA, just that there is a possibility of it occurring. This dog has received a dominant gene from both the sire and the dam. As has been well documented, a AFFECTED dog is not guaranteed to lose its sight. However, this selection of dogs is at risk of the disease occurring. A "CARRIER” dog indicates that there has been one dominant gene and one recessive gene received from the dam and the sire. A carrier dog should not be at risk of developing PRA.
What are the signs of PRA?
Signs may vary depending on the type of PRA and its rate of progression. PRA is non painful and outward appearance of the eye is often normal, i.e.; no redness, excess tearing, or squinting. Owners may notice a change in personality of their pet such as a reluctance to go down stairs or down a dark hallway. This is characteristic of night blindness, in which vision may appear to improve during the daytime. As the disease progresses, owners can observe a dilation of the pupils and the reflection of light from the back of the eye. If the blindness is progressing slowly, the owner may not notice any sign until the dog is in unfamiliar surroundings and the lack of vision is more apparent.
How is PRA diagnosed?
Depending on the form of PRA, characteristic changes in the retina and other parts of the eye may be observed through an ophthalmic examination by a veterinary opthalmologist. More sophisticated tests such as electroretinography may also be used. Both tests are painless and the animal does not have to be anesthetized. If no abnormalities are found during the exam by a board certified veterinary ophtha limnologist, the dog can be certified free of heritable eye disease through the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF).
How is PRA treated?
Unfortunately, there is no treatment for PRA, nor a way to slow the progression of the disease. Animals with PRA usually become blind. Dogs and cats are remarkably adaptable to progressive blindness, and can often seem to perform normally in their customary environments.
Can PRA be prevented?
PRA has been shown to have a genetic component. Puppies from parents who have no history of the disease and have been certified free of PRA will have less risk of developing the disease. Affected animals should not be bred and should be spayed or neutered. The littermates or parents of animals with PRA should also not be bred. If your dog develops PRA, notify the breeder.
Learn more about PRA in the links below:
http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/
http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/PRA/testPRA.htm
http://www.essfta.org/english-springers/health-genetics-and-research-faq/progressive-retinal-degeneration-pra/april-20-2007-pra-announcement/
http://animaleyecare.net/diseases/pra/
http://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/your-dogs-health/disease-information/progressive-retinal-atrophy.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progressive_retinal_atrophy
Eyelid defects
Entropion and ectropion are conditions that involve the eyelids. With an entropion the eyelids roll inward and rub against the cornea (the clear surface)of the eye, usually the dog will squint and tear excessively. Ectropion is the opposite of entropion, the eyelids droop exposing the cornea. These conditions frequently causes other problems within the eye such as conjuctivitis. Entropion and extropion is usually observed within the first year of life. Entropion and extropion can be surgically corrected.
Learn more about eyelid defects in the links below:
http://www.gsdhelp.info/eye/entropion.html
http://www.provet.co.uk/Petfacts/healthtips/entropion.htm
http://animaleyecare.net/diseases/canine/
http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/eyelid-entropion-in-dogs/1009
The eyes of English Springer Spaniels are susceptible to a number of genetic-based disorders, some of which are present at birth and others that may develop at various times throughout life.
Retinal Dysplasia (RD)
Retinal Dysplasia (RD) is a congenital defect in the development and layering of the retina resulting in folding and abnormal growth of cells especially in the outer retina. Studies indicate that RD in the ESS is inherited; a congenital disorder developing around 48 day’s gestation. Affected puppies are born with the lesions already present. Abnormalities can be diagnosed by a certified veterinary ophthalmologist when puppies are 7 to 12 weeks old. Retinal dysplasia should not affect a dog's ability to function as a pet; however, affected ESS should not be bred.
Learn more about Retinal Dysplasia (RD) in the links below:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retinal_dysplasia
http://www.essfta.org/english-springers/health-genetics-and-research-faq/#eyes
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Progressive retinal atrophy or degeneration (PRA or PRD) is the name for several diseases that are progressive and lead to blindness. First recognized at the beginning of the 20th century in Gordon Setters, this inherited condition has been documented in over 100 breeds.
What is PRA?
PRA is a degeneration of the layers of the retina that are responsible for vision. The disease is progressive, eventually resulting in blindness. The onset in Springers is variable, but usually occurs between 2 and 6 years of age. The disorder is still considered rare; however, its incidence has increased in recent years. There is no pain or discomfort for the dog but, unfortunately, there is no treatment. Responsible breeders pay close attention to the eyes of their breeding stock throughout the dogs' lives, monitoring puppies and adults for the development of hereditary eye disorders.
What is Affected, Carrier, Normal in PRA?
A dog can be tested for the genetic likelihood of PRA by having a blood test and/or a cheek swab done by a certified laboratory. To understand the ramification of the results, a knowledge of genetics may be required to understand dominant and recessive genes. A simplified version is supplied here. Three different options are possible for a dog with respect to the PRA gene. A dog that has two recessive genes for PRA is said to be “CLEAR”. There should be no risk of the animal coming down with PRA. It has not received a dominant PRA gene from its sire or its dam. A dog that has two dominant genes for PRA is said to be “AFFECTED”. This does not mean that the dog will come down with PRA, just that there is a possibility of it occurring. This dog has received a dominant gene from both the sire and the dam. As has been well documented, a AFFECTED dog is not guaranteed to lose its sight. However, this selection of dogs is at risk of the disease occurring. A "CARRIER” dog indicates that there has been one dominant gene and one recessive gene received from the dam and the sire. A carrier dog should not be at risk of developing PRA.
What are the signs of PRA?
Signs may vary depending on the type of PRA and its rate of progression. PRA is non painful and outward appearance of the eye is often normal, i.e.; no redness, excess tearing, or squinting. Owners may notice a change in personality of their pet such as a reluctance to go down stairs or down a dark hallway. This is characteristic of night blindness, in which vision may appear to improve during the daytime. As the disease progresses, owners can observe a dilation of the pupils and the reflection of light from the back of the eye. If the blindness is progressing slowly, the owner may not notice any sign until the dog is in unfamiliar surroundings and the lack of vision is more apparent.
How is PRA diagnosed?
Depending on the form of PRA, characteristic changes in the retina and other parts of the eye may be observed through an ophthalmic examination by a veterinary opthalmologist. More sophisticated tests such as electroretinography may also be used. Both tests are painless and the animal does not have to be anesthetized. If no abnormalities are found during the exam by a board certified veterinary ophtha limnologist, the dog can be certified free of heritable eye disease through the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF).
How is PRA treated?
Unfortunately, there is no treatment for PRA, nor a way to slow the progression of the disease. Animals with PRA usually become blind. Dogs and cats are remarkably adaptable to progressive blindness, and can often seem to perform normally in their customary environments.
Can PRA be prevented?
PRA has been shown to have a genetic component. Puppies from parents who have no history of the disease and have been certified free of PRA will have less risk of developing the disease. Affected animals should not be bred and should be spayed or neutered. The littermates or parents of animals with PRA should also not be bred. If your dog develops PRA, notify the breeder.
Learn more about PRA in the links below:
http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/
http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/PRA/testPRA.htm
http://www.essfta.org/english-springers/health-genetics-and-research-faq/progressive-retinal-degeneration-pra/april-20-2007-pra-announcement/
http://animaleyecare.net/diseases/pra/
http://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/your-dogs-health/disease-information/progressive-retinal-atrophy.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progressive_retinal_atrophy
Eyelid defects
Entropion and ectropion are conditions that involve the eyelids. With an entropion the eyelids roll inward and rub against the cornea (the clear surface)of the eye, usually the dog will squint and tear excessively. Ectropion is the opposite of entropion, the eyelids droop exposing the cornea. These conditions frequently causes other problems within the eye such as conjuctivitis. Entropion and extropion is usually observed within the first year of life. Entropion and extropion can be surgically corrected.
Learn more about eyelid defects in the links below:
http://www.gsdhelp.info/eye/entropion.html
http://www.provet.co.uk/Petfacts/healthtips/entropion.htm
http://animaleyecare.net/diseases/canine/
http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/eyelid-entropion-in-dogs/1009
Copyright © 2003-2022
Site Designed and Maintained by Christine Remme
