02963: Genetics of Glaucoma in the Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Grant Status: Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a very painful and rapidly blinding disease that leads to irreversible loss of sight in many thousands of dogs in the United States and worldwide every year. Medical and surgical treatments that target the damaging high pressure in the eyes of affected dogs are not able to cure the disease but only control it. In many dogs with glaucoma, surgical removal of both eyes is needed to control pain. Glaucoma has been recognized as an increasing problem in the Entlebucher Mountain Dog in the United States and Europe. Using powerful DNA sequencing tools to compare the DNA sequences of Entlebucher Mountain Dogs with and without glaucoma, researchers will identify mutated genes associated with glaucoma in this breed, with the goal of developing a genetic test for the disease in this breed and possibly other related breeds. Due to the current lack of effective treatments for glaucoma, a DNA test would provide an invaluable resource for breeders seeking to preserve genetic diversity while formulating breeding strategies to eliminate this painful, disabling disease from the dog population.
Publication(s)
Help Future Generations of Dogs
Participate in canine health research by providing samples or by enrolling in a clinical trial. Samples are needed from healthy dogs and dogs affected by specific diseases.