Glaucoma in siberian huskies
The Ophthalmology Service is currently recruiting Siberian Huskies for a study of the genetic basis of glaucoma. Past research reveals that the Siberian Husky is one of the more commonly affected breeds of this painful and rapidly blinding disease, which leads to irreversible loss of sight. This study will harness the power of new canine DNA sequencing tools and technologies to try to identify the genetic mutation (or mutations) that cause glaucoma and, in turn, develop a genetic test for the disease in this breed and possibly other affected breeds.
The study goal is to identify the mutation (or mutations) in DNA that cause glaucoma and, in turn, develop a genetic test for the disease in this breed and possibly other affected breeds. Due to the current lack of effective treatments for glaucoma, a DNA test would provide an invaluable tool in efforts to fight this disease as dog breeders would be able to avoid affected dogs and carriers of the disease in their breeding strategies and ultimately could eliminate this exceedingly painful, disabling disease from the dog population.
Any Siberian Husky with a history of glaucoma is qualified to participate in the study. Siberian Huskies, over 10 years of age, are being recruited as healthy control patients for DNA comparison. The study requires a swab of the inside of the cheek for DNA testing. For more information, please contact the UW Veterinary Care Ophthalmology service at 608-263-7600 or ophtho@vetmed.wisc.edu