How can genetic eye defects be reduced or eliminated?
Research is now being conducted to develop DNA testing for both hereditary cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Until these tests are available, the SHCA and the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists have established guidelines to help breeders decrease the spread of heritable eye disorders. The guidelines are as follows: Every dog to be used for breeding must be examined by a veterinarian that is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology. This examination must be done during the year that the dog is to be used for breeding. Only dogs with normal examinations are to be used for breeding. Caution must be exercised in the use of those dogs that are closely related to affected dogs, or when a breeder suspects that an individual dog is producing a defect in its offspring. Though the dog itself may not exhibit signs of the eye defect, that dog should promptly and permanently be withheld from further breeding. Is there a breed registry available for
