Retinal dysplasia (RD) is an inherited disease caused by abnormal development of the retina, which is the layer of cells at the back of the eye, resulting in vision impairment from the time the eyes first open.
This condition has been observed in various dog breeds and can be categorized into four types:
- Focal
- Multifocal
- Geographic, and
- Total Retinal Dysplasia.
Total RD is specifically found in English Cocker Spaniels.
In Cocker Spaniels, this form of RD presents as total retinal detachment and severe visual deficits by 6 weeks of age. It is caused by a genetic mutation in the NDP gene, which is located on the X chromosome. Consequently, male dogs will be affected if they carry one copy of the defective gene.
