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A breakthrough in canine genetics offers hope for preventing blindness in dogs, thanks to a DNA test inspired by a rescue dog’s moving story. A genetic test could eliminate a form of hereditary blindness.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a genetic test that could eradicate progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), an inherited eye disease that affects more than 100 dog breeds. It all started with Shola, a British mountain rescue shepherd who went blind from PRA at the age of four, The Guardian reports, according to Mediafax. The disease, which has no treatment, damages the eye’s light-sensitive cells, eventually leading to blindness. The researchers, led by Katherine Stanbury, studied the DNA of Shola and his brother, who were both diagnosed with PRA. The team discovered a new, previously undiscovered gene variant in British sheepdogs that causes PRA.
DNA test Based on this discovery, scientists have developed a £48 DNA test that can determine whether a dog has zero, one or two copies of the gene variant that causes PRA.
The tool will enable breeders to avoid breeding dogs that are at risk of developing or spreading the disease. Researchers hope that over time, this approach will lead to the eradication of PRA from the English Sheepdog breed. Genetic testing will be expanded to examine other dog breeds affected by the inherited eye disease. Shola’s offspring have already been tested to confirm that they will not develop PRA, and some will become rescue or therapy dogs.
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