Glaucoma (Border Collie Type)

General Information: Glaucoma (GLAU) in Border Collies involves a genetic predisposition to increased intraocular pressure due to abnormalities in the iridocorneal angle of the eye. This condition typically manifests as excessive blinking, eye redness, and tearing due to discomfort. As the disease progresses, the increased pressure may cause the eyeball to enlarge visibly and can result in severe pain, optic nerve damage, and eventual blindness. Early detection and treatment are crucial to manage symptoms and prevent severe outcomes, including surgical interventions that may be necessary to relieve eye pressure.

How to Read Your Dog's Test Results for this Genetic Variant:

Two Variants Detected: Dog Likely Affected

One Variant Detected: Dog Unlikely Affected

No Variants Detected: No Effect

Gene / Testing Information: Genetic testing for the OLFML3 gene can determine whether a Border Collie is a carrier of the type of glaucoma associated with this breed. Glaucoma (GLAU) in Border Collies is transmitted through an autosomal recessive pattern, which means that a dog must inherit two copies of the defective gene, one from each parent, to express the disease. Carriers, who have only one copy of the gene, typically show no symptoms but can pass the condition on to their offspring. When two carriers are bred, each puppy has a 25% chance of being affected by the disease and a 50% chance of being a carrier. To prevent the perpetuation of this disorder in the breed, it is recommended that carriers not be bred with other carriers. Genetic testing before breeding is essential to identify carriers and help make informed breeding decisions to reduce the incidence of this debilitating condition. While genetic testing provides valuable information, it does not cover all potential causes of glaucoma, so a clear test result does not eliminate the risk of other eye conditions.