Hereditary Background Of Retinal Dysplasia In The Labrador Retriever

Abstract

Retinal dysplasia (RD) is a developmental abnormality, which can cause varying degrees of vision impairment and even blindness. This study investigates the prevalence and the possible hereditary pattern of RD among Labradors Retrievers in the Netherlands. ECVO examination results that were recorded since 1970 from Labrador Retrievers by the “Dutch Labrador Retriever Association” and the “Dutch Kennel Club” were analysed to study Retinal dysplasia subtypes, prevalence per time period, sex predisposition and inheritance pattern. The subtypes encountered were (multi)focal retinal dysplasia and geographic retinal dysplasia, both of which could be found within the same litter. The prevalence increased from 0,39% in 1983-1987 to 2,32% in 2017-2022. There was no significant sex predisposition.