Cooper inherited one copy of the variant we tested for Canine Multifocal Retinopathy, cmr1
This variant should not impact Cooper’s health. This variant is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that a dog needs two copies of the variant to show signs of this condition. Cooper is unlikely to develop this condition due to this variant because he only has one copy of the variant.
Your dog carries this variant and will pass it on to ~50% of his offspring. You can email breeders@embarkvet.com to discuss with a genetic counselor how the genotype results should be applied to a breeding program.
This is a non-progressive retinal disease that, in rare cases, can lead to vision loss. Dogs with larger lesions can suffer from vision loss. CMR is fairly non-progressive; new lesions will typically stop forming by the time a dog is an adult, and some lesions will even regress with time.
cmr1 typically develops in puppies at 11 to 16 weeks and becomes stable by the time they are 1 year old.
CMR is typically only identified when a vet examines the back of the eye which, in dogs with CMR, reveals multiple retinal abnormalities that range from small, flat folds (called "retinal folds") to larger, irregularly edged raised lesions (called "geographic lesions").
Currently, there is no treatment for CMR. However, CMR rarely affects vision to a significant degree, and as we stated, even the associated retinal abnormalities can regress over time.
- Carefully monitoring your dog's vision and seeking a veterinary ophthamologist's opinion if you are concerned are the best ways you can help your affected dog.