Disease overview

Multifocal retinopathy 1 is an inherited eye disease that is characterized by multiple, discrete circular areas of retinal detachment. This form of the disease appears around 11 to 16 weeks of age and progresses slowly over a year. This form does not typically lead to blindness.

Gene name

BEST1

Inheritance

Autosomal recessive

Signs and symptoms

Fluid accumulation under the detached retina results in gray, tan, orange or pink “blisters” in the eye. Though blindness is not typical, some affected dogs do experience vision loss.

How is it diagnosed

Thorough examination of the eyes and clinical signs. A veterinary ophthalmologic exam can determine areas of retinal detachment and if there are changes in the eye that have or could lead to vision loss. Genetic testing is necessary to determine if there is an underlying genetic cause, which can assist veterinarians with diagnosis and help breeders identify affected and carrier dogs.

Breeds at higher risk

, , , , , , , English Mastiff, Great Pyrenees, Italian Cane Corso, Perro de Presa Canario

Citations

Miyadera K, Acland GM, Aguirre GD. Genetic and phenotypic variations of inherited retinal diseases in dogs: the power of within- and across-breed studies. Mamm Genome. 2012 Feb;23(1-2):40-61. doi: 10.1007/s00335-011-9361-3. Epub 2011 Nov 8. PMID: 22065099; PMCID: PMC3942498.

Grahn BH, Philibert H, Cullen CL, Houston DM, Semple HA, Schmutz SM. Multifocal retinopathy of Great Pyrenees dogs. Vet Ophthalmol. 1998;1(4):211-221. doi: 10.1046/j.1463-5224.1998.00041.x. PMID: 11397233.

Disclaimer

Disease diagnosis and treatment should always be performed by a veterinarian. The following information is for educational purposes only.