New experiment might eliminate a source of inherited canine blindness

New experiment might eliminate a source of inherited canine blindness

Contrary to popular belief, dogs do see colors, although their color vision is more limited compared to humans. Dogs primarily see shades of blue and yellow, while red and green colors appear indistinguishable to them, somewhat like red-green color blindness in humans. This scientific understanding comes from multiple studies and research on canine vision, confirming that dogs perceive the world in a distinct but colorful way, rather than only in black and white.

This newfound knowledge about canine vision, however, is not the only significant development in the world of dog genetics. A recent breakthrough has been made in the fight against Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), an inherited eye condition that affects over 100 breeds, including the English Shepherd.

Shola, an English Shepherd, has played a crucial role in this scientific advancement. She has had puppies, and their father has been tested, ensuring they won't develop PRA. One of her sons is a therapy dog, while two of her daughters have completed mountain rescue training with Mountain Rescue England. One of her puppies even recently saved a man's life.

The team behind this breakthrough carried out whole genome sequencing on Shola and her brother's DNA but found no genetic variants previously associated with PRA, suggesting another variant. After extensive research, they have identified the new genetic variant responsible for PRA in English Shepherds.

A £48 DNA test has been developed that shows whether English Shepherds have two, one, or no copies of the variant associated with PRA. Carriers, which have one copy of the variant, can still breed, but only with dogs who have no copies to avoid passing on PRA. The scientists plan to screen any dog affected by a genetic eye condition for the new variant.

PRA affects the light-sensitive cells at the back of the eye, and there's no treatment. Symptoms of PRA may not appear until dogs are a few years old, which can mean they have already passed it on to their puppies. This new test could potentially eliminate PRA from the breed by identifying carriers and preventing them from breeding.

Dogs do not rely on their eyesight as humans do, and their sense of smell is more important. However, the loss of vision due to PRA can significantly impact their quality of life. This new test offers hope for English Shepherd owners and breeders, ensuring they can make informed decisions about breeding to prevent PRA.

In summary, Shola, an English Shepherd, has helped scientists create a new test that could potentially end PRA in her breed. Dogs can see colors, just not as many hues as humans, and their vision is mostly limited to blues and yellows. Red and green colors appear as shades of gray or brown to them. The myth that dogs are completely color blind is false, and this scientific understanding comes from multiple studies and research on canine vision. This new test offers a significant step forward in the fight against inherited eye conditions in dogs.

1. Shola, an English Shepherd, has made a significant contribution to the scientific world by helping develop a new test for Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), a condition affecting over 100 breeds, including her own.
2. The scientific breakthrough in combating PRA was made possible by whole genome sequencing on Shola's DNA and that of her brother, revealing a new genetic variant responsible for PRA in English Shepherds.
3. A £48 DNA test has been created that shows whether English Shepherds carry the variant associated with PRA, providing breeders with vital information to make informed decisions about breeding.
4. This test could potentially eradicate PRA from the English Shepherd breed by identifying carriers and preventing them from passing on the condition.
5. Although dogs do see colors, their color vision is more limited compared to humans, primarily detecting shades of blue and yellow, with red and green appearing indistinguishable.
6. The loss of vision due to PRA can significantly impact a dog's quality of life, so this new test offers hope for English Shepherd owners and breeders.
7. This development in pet health and wellness marks a significant step forward in the fight against inherited eye conditions in dogs, demonstrating the intertwined nature of science, veterinary care, and pet lifestyles.

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