Hereditary Cataracts (Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Type)

General Information: Hereditary Cataracts (Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Type) is an inherited eye condition in dogs, marked by lens opacities causing blurry vision, typically observed within weeks to months after birth during a veterinary eye exam. While the cataracts may enlarge over time and lead to visual deficits, the influence of other genetic and environmental factors remains uncertain. It's important to note that not all cataracts are hereditary, with environmental factors like UV damage also impacting disease severity.

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 of the FYCO1 gene identifies carriers of Hereditary Cataracts (Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Type), inherited in an Autosomal Recessive pattern, where both copies of the mutated gene are required for disease development. While carrier dogs typically show no symptoms, breeding between carriers increases the risk of producing affected offspring, with each pup from such a pairing having a 25% chance of inheriting the disease. Ensuring reliable genetic testing is crucial for guiding breeding practices and preventing the transmission of this mutation to future generations.