A framework already exists to gather data for inherited eye diseases in Bernese Mtn. Dogs (i.e. progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts). In November, 1994 the Berner-Garde facilitated the registration of five (5) cases (4 PRA, 1 cataracts/colomba) in the GDC open registry for eye disease. Simultaneously, the registrations were described in the BMDCA newsletter. In all cases, the parents of these dogs should be considered to be known carriers. Beyond that, it is a non-productive guessing game.
Eye screening (which is not synonymous with CERF-ing) has become more prevalent in BMD in the past two years. If the eye examination results are registered with the GDC, the data is available for breeders and researchers to use. This will ultimately benefit all BMD owners as the prevalence of inherited eye disorders can be tracked and hopefully minimized.
The only accepted eye screeners are veterinary ophthalmologists who are certified by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology (ACVO). These veterinarians often use the CERF form for their report; however, the form is not required by the GDC. In all cases, the GDC release form must be attached to the diagnosis report when registering with the GDC. A copy of this form is found in the web site: www.bernese.org in the Berner-Garde section.
The early eye screening of pet dogs who are known to be closely related to a documented carrier becomes important to that animal. The majority of dogs in the early stages of going blind are not noticed by their owners. If the blinding is caused by cataracts, there is a good prognosis with surgical removal of the cataract if done at an early stage. Nature facilitates the substitution of increased sensitivity of the hearing and smelling systems. If the dog can shadow its owner and is voice trained, it can even handle strange environments extremely well. It is important to leave the whiskers (vibrissae) intact. If your dog is reported to be affected, the Berner-Garde Guides (phone: 500-447-0090) can put you in touch with an owner who has lived with a blind dog, sharing the tips that make it work.