OculoSkeletal Dysplasia (OSD) in Labrador Retrievers
OculoSkeletal Dysplasia (OSD) is a genetic disorder in Labrador Retrievers that leads to both skeletal and ocular abnormalities. Symptoms typically appear in affected puppies between 4 to 6 weeks of age and include:
Skeletal Abnormalities (Dwarfism)
OSD is characterized by shortened forelimbs that tend to curve as the dog matures, impacting mobility and overall physical development.
Eye Abnormalities
OSD is linked to severe eye issues, including retinal folds, also known as Retinal Dysplasia (RD). While RD is often benign in many breeds, it can cause significant problems in Labrador Retrievers and Samoyeds. These issues include partial or complete retinal detachment and cataracts, potentially leading to early blindness due to generalized retinal malformation.
Inheritance Pattern
OSD is believed to follow an autosomal-dominant inheritance pattern with incomplete penetrance. Carrier dogs (N/OSD) do not show skeletal abnormalities but may have mild eye issues, such as retinal folds. Genetically affected dogs (OSD/OSD) exhibit both skeletal abnormalities and more severe eye issues compared to carriers.
Summary
In summary, OSD in Labrador Retrievers results in both physical and visual impairments. It is crucial for breeders to test for this condition to manage and reduce its occurrence in future generations.
Breeds
This test is only validated for Labrador retriever.
