Labrador Health

Multi-Focal Retinal Dysplasia (by Chris Bridgewater, Scherzando Gundogs)

Multi-focal (the most common) Retinal Dysplasia [MRD] is a non progressive congenital condition which is widespread in several of our gundog breeds. Usually there is no more than one or two small folds in the retina that cause no problems whatsoever to the dog - if it was human it wouldn’t even need specs. However, in a smaller number of cases the retina can be partially or completely detached (geographic dysplasia)

Normally MRD is caused by a simple recessive gene passed from both parents but in a tiny number of cases can be caused by the dam coming into contact with, for instance, parvovirus or herpes during pregnancy. Puppies can be screened for MRD before leaving their breeder. Those affected should not be bred from but the condition, so long as the sight is unaffected, makes no difference to the dogs’ ability to be a worker or pet.

Useful websites:

• British Veterinary Association (Eye Schemes) : BVA - Canine Eye Schemes

• UK information  http://www.thelabradorretrieverclub.com/health.htm    

• American information:  www.eyevet.info/ret_dysplasia.html  

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