Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Retinal disease causing vision loss in miniature longhaired dachshunds
By Turney, Clare et al.·Published in Investigative ophthalmology & visual science·2007·UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Pathological and electrophysiological features of a canine cone-rod dystrophy in the miniature longhaired dachshund.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of miniature longhaired dachshunds was found to have a serious eye problem called cone-rod dystrophy, which leads to progressive vision loss. Owners noticed that their dogs were losing the reflective quality in their eyes, a sign of deteriorating eyesight. Tests showed that the dogs had significant reductions in their ability to see in bright light, and over time, their ability to see in dim light also decreased. Unfortunately, this condition is inherited and leads to complete vision loss by about 40 weeks of age. There is currently no treatment to restore vision, so affected dogs will need support as they adapt to their condition.
People also search for: miniature longhaired dachshund eye problems · dog progressive retinal atrophy symptoms · cone-rod dystrophy in dogs
Abstract
PURPOSE: To characterize the electrophysiological and histopathological features of a retinal degenerative disease in a colony of miniature longhaired dachshunds known to have a form of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). METHODS: Serial electroretinograms were recorded from affected homozygous (n = 36) and heterozygous (n = 15) dogs. Morphologic investigations including immunohistochemistry and lectin histochemistry were performed on selected homozygous animals (n = 15). RESULTS: Clinical findings included loss of tapetal hyperreflectivity. The mode of inheritance was autosomal recessive. An early dramatic reduction of cone-specific ERG amplitude with a more modest reduction in rod b-wave amplitude was demonstrated. Progressively, rod specific responses diminished until there were no recordable responses to the ERG stimuli at 40 weeks of age. Morphologic changes confirmed early cone inner and outer segment loss. Other abnormalities included opsin mislocalization and outer nuclear layer thinning due to the subsequent loss of rod photoreceptors. CONCLUSIONS: A novel canine cone-rod dystrophy has been identified.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17724213/