Rod-Cone Dysplasia 4

Body function:

Eyes

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Rod-cone dysplasia 4 (RCD4) (PRA-rcd4) is a late-onset inherited eye disorder that affects numerous dog breeds, including various poodle mixes and setter breeds. This condition results from a mutation in the PCARE gene, causing progressive degeneration of retinal photoreceptor cells. RCD4 is autosomal recessive, so a dog must inherit two copies of the mutated gene to be affected. The disease typically manifests between 7 to 12 years of age, leading to gradual vision loss and potentially complete blindness.

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List of affected breeds:

Genetic research has linked this gene and condition in the following breeds:

Gordon Setter, Irish Setter, Old Danish Pointing Dog, Polish Lowland Sheepdog, Polish Tatra Sheepdog, Poodle, Small Poodle, Tibetan Terrier

A brown and white dog with floppy ears is looking up at the camera with a big smile and its tongue hanging out.

What does this mean for a dog with this trait?

While there's no cure for RCD4, proper care can provide dogs with a high quality of life. As vision deteriorates, a consistent home environment can improve navigation. The use of verbal cues and scent markers can help the dogs orient themselves. When outdoors, dogs should remain on leash and get verbal guidance to help them move around.

Symptoms

RCD4 symptoms typically begin in affected dogs between 7 to 12 years of age. Initially, changes in the appearance of the tapetum are observed during veterinary eye exams. As the disease progresses, there's a noticeable thinning of retinal blood vessels. Affected dogs may experience vision loss at night or in dim conditions. Over time, visual impairments worsen, leading to complete blindness in most cases.

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