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2227: Defining the Mode of Inheritance for Primary Lens Luxation and Juvenile Cataracts in the Jack Russell Terrier

Grant Status: Closed

Grant Amount: $13,000

Dr. Anita M. Oberbauer, PhD, University of California, Davis

September 14, 2001 - September 30, 2003

Sponsor(s): Blue Grass Jack Russell Terrier Club, Jack Russell Terrier Network of Northern California

Breed(s): Parson Russell Terrier

Disease(s): Lens Luxation, Cataracts

Abstract

Jack Russell Terriers have a significant incidence of eye anomalies such as lens luxation and juvenile cataracts. In lens luxation, the lens is displaced and without surgical intervention, vision can be lost. While lens luxation is presumed to be genetically controlled, little is known about the heritability or mode of inheritance of this condition in the Jack Russell Terrier. With an age of onset for lens luxation of three to eight years of age, early detection of the condition or of a genetic propensity to pass the condition on to offspring is extremely desirable. Little is also know about the genetic contribution to juvenile cataracts. The objective of this study is to collect pedigree and phenotypic data for eye anomalies in Jack Russell Terriers. Concurrent with the pedigree and phenotypic data, DNA will be collected and stored. The pedigree data will be used to evaluate the heritability and mode of inheritance of both lens luxation and juvenile cataracts. Once the heritability for these disorders is determined, the stored DNA may prove useful. Determining the heritability and inheritance mode of lens luxation and juvenile cataracts is expected to provide breeders with informative tools that can be used in breeding decisions.