The Labrador Retriever as a Model of Naturally Occurring Myopia: Genetic and Environmental Contributions

TL;DRAbstract

Aims: To validate the dog as an animal model of naturally occurring myopia by identifying genetic and environmental factors which are associated with myopia development in the Labrador Retriever. Methods: A large pedigree of Labrador Retrievers was phenotyped for refractive error. Using statistical (familial aggregation) analysis, refractive error data was used to investigate the inheritance of the trait within the pedigree. DNA samples were taken for later analysis. Potential environmental factors early in life were also studied in relation to adult refractive error; including birth weight, growth rate, season of birth, ocular pathology and litter size. DNA samples were extracted and a pilot genetic association study was designed to identify genetic loci for canine refractive error using a genome wide SNP array with a myopic case group and a non-myopic control group. Results: A significant prevalence (37%) of myopia was found within the pedigree studied. Familial aggregation analysis

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