Active Studies for Ocular (Eye) Disease
Study on Corneal Dystrophy in Shetland Sheepdogs
Drs. Kathryn Diehl and Leigh Anne Clark
College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Two different forms of corneal dystrophy can be seen in Shetland Sheepdogs. The more common type is characterized as oval shaped white opacities in the central part of the cornea thought to be due to lipid deposits. This type rarely causes clinical signs. If detected on a CAER examination, the dog will receive a passing evaluation with the “Breeder Option” recommendation for breeding.
The 2nd form of corneal dystrophy is called “Shetland Sheepdog” corneal dystrophy in which multiple pinpoint opacities are visible on the cornea often causing discomfort (rubbing or squinting), redness, discharge and even corneal ulceration. This type usually warrants lifelong topical treatment and receives a “No” recommendation for breeding / will not be given a passing evaluation.
Drs. Diehl and Clark are willing to collect information and DNA on Shelties with either type of corneal dystrophy in an attempt to understand the cause(s) and possibly identify genes that contribute to the appearance of both types of corneal dystrophy if they are present.
For further information, contact: Dr. Diehl at: kadiehl@uga.edu
Figure 1: The more common form of corneal dystrophy. An oval shaped corneal opacity likely due to lipid deposits is visible in the central cornea. CAER – “Breeder’s Option” Photo from: Sandmeyer, et al: Diagnostic Ophthalmology, CVJ 56:301-2, 2015.
Figure 2: “Shetland Sheepdog” corneal dystrophy with multiple pinpoint opacities on the cornea. Not recommended for breeding. (Courtesy of Dr. Charles Martin)
Study to further characterize findings in Shelties testing positive for progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) due to Bardet Biedl syndrome
Do you have or know of a Sheltie with vision loss due to Bardet Biedl syndrome (BBS2-PRA) or of a young Sheltie that has tested positive for the mutation?
Clinical researchers at the University of Georgia are trying to better characterize abnormalities associated with this syndrome and are looking for dogs that have had genetic testing with confirmed homozygous (2 copies) affected BBS2-PRA gene mutation status. Owners/breeders of such dogs are invited to complete a survey regarding their affected dogs’ medical histories (specifically dental defects, kidney disease, lameness or radiographic bone abnormalities, and or eye abnormalities or visual impairment).
Please contact Dr. Katie Diehl or Dr. Chiaming Chen at BBS2PRA@gmail.com with any questions and to obtain a PDF version of the survey that can be completed and then emailed or mailed back.
A survey form that can be completed online is also available at: BBS2-PRA online survey. (The actual link is: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe_7-6PYuyHxdA4Qwl76Kn0VEsyeFQ1NIS6631bkpXo73gh0Q/viewform .)
Your participation is greatly appreciated and helps us learn more about this canine and human disease!