Cataracts have been a recognized problem in Cocker Spaniels, but as researchers learn more about the genetics involved, so too has our understanding of the complexity of diagnosis and recommended selective breeding to reduce incidence.
The American Spaniel Club Foundation announces a new effort to advance research in inherited eye disease in Cocker Spaniels, through support of Dr. Cathryn Mellersh DVM research at the Animal Health Trust in England.
Recently Dr. Mellersh announced a genetic test to screen for hereditary cataracts in Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and juvenile cataracts in Boston Terriers.
"Cataract in some breeds may well be complex, and controlled by mutations in more than one gene," said Dr. Mellersh. "Certainly in the Staffordshire bull terrier and the Boston terrier a single mutation in a single gene has been shown to be all that is necessary to cause cataract, but the situation in different breeds might be different.
"It is clear that cataracts in different breeds are genetically different (we have excluded the SBT mutation as a cause of cataract in several breeds, including the American cocker spaniel and the Golden retriever) so we won't know which mutation(s) cause cataract in other breeds until we have examined DNA from dogs of these other breeds and done a full analysis," she added.
Dr. Mellersh said the research is funded by the Kennel Club Charitable Trust and in part by the AKC Canine Health Foundation. They hope to have results on Cocker spaniels next year.
But she needs more samples from Cockers meeting the following criteria:
- Affected dogs with either PRA or HC (hereditary cataract)
- Close relatives of affected dogs (parents, siblings, off-spring).
- Dogs six years old or older who are clear of eye conditions determined by AVCO exam. The later the better, as these dogs will be controls.
The project is open to all registered purebred Cockers from throughout the world. To make it easy for breeders and owners in the United States, volunteer project coordinator, Debi Rudman Lampert, NJ, will distribute swabs, instructions and submission forms on request. Owners then send their samples and paperwork directly to Dr. Mellersh's lab.
Owners can also request swabs directly from Dr. Mellersh's lab in England and may be more convenient for breeders and owners living outside the U.S.
To request Swabs, email Debi at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and let her know how many you would like mailed.
The 2009 ASC Annual Flushing Spaniel Show