Details about the disease
This disease causes day blindness due to retinal cone degeneration. Cones in the retina are cells that respond mainly to bright daylight. Unlike PRA (progressive retinal atrophy), cone degeneration does not affect night vision.
Clinical signs
Signs of vision problems are noticeable between 8 and 12 weeks of age. Exposure to bright light will be irritating or painful, but their vision in dim light remains normal.
How is it inherited?
The disease is described as an autosomal-recessive condition. This means that a dog must inherit two copies of an abnormal gene (one from its mother and one from its father) before its health is affected. A dog that inherits only one copy of the abnormal gene (from its mother or its father) will have no signs of the disease, but will be a carrier and may pass the gene on to any offspring.
Which laboratories test for this condition?
Two lists of laboratories that test for cone degeneration can be found below.
Laboratories that send a copy of your dog's results straight to The Kennel Club, so you don't have to.
| Laboratories | Contact details |
|---|---|
| Animal DNA Diagnostics | Phone: 01223 395577 Email: Animal DNA Diagnostics Web: www.animaldnadiagnostics.co.uk |
| Animal Genetics | Phone: 01726 247788 Email: Animal Genetics Web: www.animalgenetics.eu |
| Laboklin | Phone: 0161 282 3066 Email: Laboklin Web: www.laboklin.co.uk |
| Pet Genetics Lab | Phone: 01624 679 720 Email: Pet Genetics Lab Web: www.petgeneticslab.co.uk |
Where will your dog's results be published?
DNA test results from these laboratories are sent directly to The Kennel Club and are recorded on to the dog's record in the registration database, and are published:
- in the next available Breed Records Supplement
- on the Health Test Results Finder
Laboratories that do not send a copy of your dog's results to The Kennel Club. You'll need to do this yourself.
| Laboratories | Contact details |
|---|---|
| Genetic Technologies (Australia) | Web: www.animalnetwork.com.au |
| MyDogDNA (Finland) | Email: MyDogDNA Web: www.mydogdna.com |
| Paw Print Genetics (USA) | Email: Paw Print Genetics Web: www.pawprintgenetics.com |
How to submit DNA test results to The Kennel Club
The laboratories listed above do not send your dog's DNA test results to The Kennel Club. To have these results placed on your dog's record please submit them yourself by scanning and emailing them to our health results team.
What we require on the results certificate
Please note that we require at least two forms of identification on the result certificate. These must include the dog's microchip or tattoo number along with either the dog's registered name or registered number. Results without these details cannot be accepted by us.
Where will your dog's results be published once you have submitted them?
DNA test results received by The Kennel Club are recorded on to the dog's record in the registration database, and are published:
- in the next available Breed Records Supplement
- on the Health Test Results Finder
How to responsibly breed from your DNA-tested dog
If, once your dog is DNA tested, you would like to find out what their DNA test results mean, or how to select the right mate to avoid producing affected puppies, then please read our breeding advice and DNA testing information.
How to find out if a potential mate has been DNA tested
The Kennel Club’s Health Test Results Finder allows you to find the results of DNA tests carried out as part of The Kennel Club's official DNA testing schemes for any dog on The Kennel Club’s Breed Register.