Early retinal degeneration(ERD)
Also known as: Early onset retinal degeneration · Frühzeitige Netzhautdegeneration · Norwegian Elkhound retinal degeneration
Overview
What it is
This is an inherited eye disease where the retina, the light-sensitive membrane at the back of the eye, develops abnormally during puppyhood and rapidly degenerates. The photoreceptors, which are the specialized cells that detect light, progressively die off, eventually causing complete loss of vision.
How it presents
Puppies typically show signs of night blindness and dilated pupils between 6 and 12 weeks of age. The condition progresses quickly, leading to total blindness by the time the dog is one to one and a half years old.
Treatment
There is no cure or treatment to reverse or slow this condition. Owners can expect to spend between 300 and 1200 EUR, primarily for the initial veterinary ophthalmologist diagnosis and adapting the home environment to keep a blind dog safe.
How it's tested
ECVO Augenuntersuchung (DOK)(ECVO-DOK)
Primary testEye examAugenuntersuchung durch ECVO-zertifizierten Augentierarzt (Dortmunder Kreis). Erkennt PRA, Katarakt, Entropium, CEA, MPP, RD u.a.
Issuing body: ECVO
Result scheme: Eye-ECVO
Labogen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch)(Labogen-Panel)
DNA testRassespezifisches DNA-Panel (Labogen / Laboklin) — bündelt alle relevanten Erbkrankheiten der Rasse in einem Test.
Issuing body: Labogen
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Feragen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch)(Feragen-Panel)
DNA testRassespezifisches DNA-Panel (Feragen, Österreich) — gleiches Konzept wie Labogen.
Issuing body: Feragen
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Embark Breed + Health Panel(Embark)
DNA testUS-Anbieter; 250+ genetische Erkrankungen + Abstammung. Anerkennung in DE/AT variiert je nach VDH-Verein.
Issuing body: Embark
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
MyDogDNA Panel(MyDogDNA)
DNA testGenoscoper-basiertes Panel (Mars Petcare). 200+ Erkrankungen + Rassenkomposition.
Issuing body: MyDogDNA
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Affected breeds
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Early retinal degeneration?
This is an inherited eye disease where the retina, the light-sensitive membrane at the back of the eye, develops abnormally during puppyhood and rapidly degenerates. The photoreceptors, which are the specialized cells that detect light, progressively die off, eventually causing complete loss of vision.
How is Early retinal degeneration tested?
Tests currently in our database: ECVO Augenuntersuchung (DOK), Labogen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch), Feragen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch), Embark Breed + Health Panel, MyDogDNA Panel.
Which breeds are most affected?
This condition isn't tied to a specific breed in our database.