My golden ret was diagnosed with GRD at 15 months(left).. along with distichiasis(left) & cataratas(both) In a previous Q&A genetic testing was suggested and wondered what test?? 2nd exam now included multiple bilateral uveal cyst. I have done the PRA panel, is there something else to test?

There are other tests for retinal dysplasia like the ones linked below but this features part of a wider hereditary disease process; generally though diagnosis is made by a thorough examination of the eye with an ophthalmoscope with genetic tests used to rule out hereditary conditions. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM www.pawprintgenetics.com/products/breeds/76/

My Golden Retriever was diagnosed with geographic retinal dysplasia last year. I am confused because it's supposed to be present at birth. I had his 1st eye exam done in 2014, at 1 year of age and it was normal. 2015 he was diagnosed with a retinal fold in one eye. 2016 it was the same, retinal folds. In 2017, it changed to geographic retinal dysplasia. He is a Champion, and I do field work with him. His vision marking the bird is excellent. So, can retinal folds turn in to retinal dysplasia?

Some studies have indicated that not all cases of geographic retinal dysplasia are congenital, some may be acquired but there are not many studies done on acquired geographic retinal dysplasia. I would recommend you consult with an Ophthalmologist as they will be able to to give you more in depth advice than myself. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM

I have a mini-schnauzer who comes from a show line in which RD is well established as a recessive trait. He was born affected with RD but with good vision. I have him examined yearly by an ophthalmologist. He is currently 4-1/2 years old, has tiny cataracts around the perimeter of both eyes, a larger cataract that has formed near the middle of the right lens, and prominent hyaloid arteries in both eyes. The ophthalmologist told me at his last exam in 2017 that the central right eye cataract may begin to affect his vision going forward - comparable to a human who develops problems reading. Cataract surgery is an option if his right eye condition worsens, but no one seems to know whether his condition will be progressive or not, or if so to what extent. Do you know of any further research (or clinical experience) in this area that offers predictive help, based on the information I have supplied?

Thank you for your email. It sounds like you are completely on top of Bart's condition, and have great veterinary care for him. I do not know of any other research that is being conducted with RD at this time, but one resource that you might consider is reaching out to veterinary colleges, as they tend to do research like that, and each one has an ophthalmology department. Most states have a veterinary college, as do Canadian provinces. I hope that he continues to do well.

My 10 year old Golden has retinal dysplasia. She was fixed so she couldn't have puppies. But I am noticing that she, who use to find every scrape of food, is now missing pieces of food on a plate. IE: red washed apple skin. Are things going down hill? What should I expect from here on out? Thanks,

Thank you for your question. Retinal dysplasia doesn't typically cause a decreased appetite, and most dogs can live quite normal lives without having perfect vision. You may want to follow up with your veterinarian and have some routine senior blood work done to make sure that her organ function is okay otherwise, if she is showing a decreased interest in food. I hope that she is okay.