Macular corneal dystrophy (MCD) is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder that causes progressive visual impairment. The disease occurs in middle-aged Labrador retrievers that develop cloudy corneas due to an abnormal accumulation of carbohydrates (glycosaminoglycans) in the stroma. The disease is not painful, slowly progressive and affects both eyes.  The vision is reasonably well retained initially, but will reduce over time and detailed vision will be lost, with the condition eventually leading to severe visual impairment.

Inheritance: autosomal recessive - read more

Mutation: CHST6 gene

Genetic test: The method used for testing is extremely accurate and allows complete differentiation between affected animals, carriers and healthy dogs. Testing can be done at any age.

Disease control: read more

Sample: EDTA whole blood (1.0 ml) or buccal swabs. Detailed information about sampling can be found here.