The DNA test can be used to screen dogs at any age.

Labrador owners will soon be able to screen for macular corneal dystrophy

The Kennel Club and the Animal Health Trust have announced a new DNA test for the genetic mutation causing macular corneal dystrophy (MCD) in Labradors.  

A non-invasive way to screen for the mutation that causes this condition, the test will be available from Monday, 26 January and will cost £48, including VAT.

MCD is an inherited eye condition which, although painless, can cause severe visual impairment in affected dogs. The mutation for MCD is recessive, which means that only dogs that inherit two copies of the mutation will be affected.

If the test identifies the dogs as 'clear', they will have no copies of the mutation. However if they are identified as 'carriers', they will have one copy of the mutation. Carriers and clears cannot develop MCD, however carriers will pass the mutation on to about half of their puppies if they produce a litter.

If the test identifies the dogs as 'genetically affected', they will have two copies of the mutation and will develop MCD around middle-age. The DNA test can be used to screen dogs at any age and provides a means of eliminating the causal mutation from the Labrador retriever gene pool.

Dr Cathryn Mellersh, head of canine genetics at the Animal Health Trust, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to provide this new test in 2015. Screening Labradors for the mutation responsible for this condition will help to identify those dogs at risk of developing MCD, and/or passing it on to their puppies.

"Dogs don’t typically develop MCD until middle age – so without a DNA test there is a chance that affected dogs are unknowingly bred from. Now, affected and carriers dogs can easily be identified through one simple test giving breeders peace of mind.

“By developing this test and encouraging screening within the Labrador population we hope that this horrible disease can now be eliminated from the breed."

Kennel Club Secretary, Caroline Kisko, said: “This test will further assist breeders of Labradors in breeding healthy, happy examples of the breed and we are delighted to be able to offer another tool to improve and maintain the breed’s health.

For more information about the test and to place an order visit: www.ahtdnatesting.co.uk.