Leber congenital amaurosis(LCA)
Also known as: Leber's Congenital Amaurosis · Leber-Kongenitale Amaurose · Early-onset severe retinal dystrophy · EOSRD · Congenital retinal blindness
Overview
What it is
Leber congenital amaurosis is an inherited eye disease where the light-sensitive cells in the retina, located at the back of the eye, do not function correctly from birth. This genetic defect prevents visual signals from being properly transmitted to the brain. It is an autosomal-recessive condition, meaning a puppy must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to develop the disease.
How it presents
Symptoms such as disorientation, bumping into obstacles, and fixed or unresponsive pupils typically become noticeable between 6 and 12 weeks of age. Affected puppies usually progress to complete blindness very early in life.
Treatment
This condition is currently incurable, resulting in lifelong blindness. Veterinary and management costs generally range from 400 to 1500 EUR, which primarily covers diagnostic eye examinations and adapting the home environment to keep the 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 Leber congenital amaurosis?
Leber congenital amaurosis is an inherited eye disease where the light-sensitive cells in the retina, located at the back of the eye, do not function correctly from birth. This genetic defect prevents visual signals from being properly transmitted to the brain. It is an autosomal-recessive condition, meaning a puppy must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to develop the disease.
How is Leber congenital amaurosis 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.