CRDd

CRDd stands for Cyclic Retinal Degeneration of dogs. It is a rare inherited eye condition affecting certain breeds, notably the Australian Shepherd and other herding breeds. The condition is characterized by progressive degeneration of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.

The onset of CRDd typically occurs in young adult dogs, often between one and three years of age. Clinical signs can vary but frequently include nyctalopia, or night blindness, which is an early indicator as the rods, photoreceptor cells responsible for low-light vision, are affected first. As the disease progresses, affected dogs may show increased sensitivity to light and a noticeable reduction in their field of vision. In advanced stages, the degeneration can affect the cones, leading to complete blindness.

The condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that a dog must inherit two copies of the mutated gene, one from each parent, to develop CRDd. Dogs that carry only one copy of the mutated gene are considered carriers and do not typically show any signs of the disease themselves but can pass the gene on to their offspring. Genetic testing is available to identify carriers and affected individuals, which is crucial for responsible breeding programs aimed at reducing the incidence of CRDd.

Currently, there is no cure or effective treatment to reverse the retinal degeneration caused by CRDd. Management focuses on supportive care and maintaining the dog's quality of life. This can include environmental modifications to help dogs with vision loss navigate their surroundings safely, such as avoiding sudden changes in furniture placement and using ramps for stairs. Regular veterinary check-ups are important to monitor the progression of the disease and address any secondary complications.