Hereditary Cataracts

Our DNA test for Hereditary Cataracts is ideal for breeders and owners who want the reassurance of genetic health testing.

The guideline turnaround time for single tests is approximately 10-12 working days after the swab arrives at the lab. 

If you need more than two tests it is often more cost-effective to order the relevant breed package.

Description

Hereditary Cataracts (HC), or Juvenile Hereditary Cataracts, are a cloudiness of the lens of the eye, causing blurred or lost vision. They develop at an early age (9-15 months) and continue to develop until two to four years, causing blindness if untreated.

An autosomal recessive, or dominant with incomplete penetrance (Australian Shepherd Type), condition caused by a mutation in the HSF4 gene.

Breeds

This test is relevant to the following breeds:

• Australian Shepherd  (Australian Shepherd Type)
• Boston Terrier
• French Bulldog
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Scientific references:

Ricketts SL, Pettitt L, McLaughlin B, Jenkins CA, Mellersh CS. A novel locus on canine chromosome 13 is associated with cataract in the Australian Shepherd breed of domestic dog. Mamm Genome. 2015 Jun;26(5-6):257-63

Mellersh CS, Pettitt L, Forman OP, Vaudin M, Barnett KC. Identification of mutations in HSF4 in dogs of three different breeds with hereditary cataracts. Vet Ophthalmol. 2006 Sep-Oct;9(5):369-78