Collaboration formed to address canine inherited eye disease

A new consortium called CRIEDD (Consortium to Research Inherited Eye Diseases in Dogs) has been established by Dr Cathryn Mellersh, Head of Canine Genetics at the Animal Health Trust, to investigate current and emerging canine inherited eye diseases and develop new DNA tests. The group comprises canine geneticists from the Animal Health Trust and six veterinary ophthalmologists and, with support from Dogs Trust, plans to look at DNA from any dog of any breed that has a confirmed diagnosis from a veterinary ophthalmologist of any inherited eye disease, and hopefully develop new DNA tests which could eradicate emerging eye diseases before they have a chance to take hold.
Dr Mellersh said: “Inherited eye diseases cause pain, impaired vision or even total sight loss in thousands of dogs each year. But many have a simple mode of inheritance and are easily preventable using simple DNA tests once the underlying mutation has been identified. We have seen the impact of DNA testing on reducing the number of carrier and affected dogs with specific inherited eye conditions over the last 15 years, thanks to work we have undertaken with the Kennel Club Charitable Trust. In some breeds, through the use of DNA testing, gene mutations causing blinding conditions have decreased by a staggering 90% or more. Through this research, we are confident that we will identify mutations causing inherited eye disease in breeds that have not previously been reported. Samples from dogs who present with clinical signs not associated with a previously reported mutation will be fast-tracked, so we can identify the genetic cause and develop DNA tests. Our research will progress significantly faster with the support of both vets in practice and veterinary ophthalmologists so we hope vets treating dogs with clinical signs of eye disease will get behind this project and help us to reduce suffering for many more dogs.”