Bilateral and progressive lens opacity
Symptoms Progressive loss of vision culminating in blindness
Gene involved HSF4
Mutation tested g.85286582insC
Transmission mode : Autosomal recessive
Publication : Mellersh et al. (2006). Identification of mutations in HSF4 in dogs of three different breeds with hereditary cataracts.
Gene involved HSF4
Mutation tested g.85286582delC
Transmission mode : Autosomal codominant
Specificity : Observation of two different forms of cataract :
- mild, early-onset, seldom leading to loss of vision
- severe, may affect vision
Remarcks : Heterozygotes may have the mild form, homozygous mutated dogs mainly develop the severe form.
Publication : Mellersh et al. (2009). Mutation in HSF4 is associated with hereditary cataract in the Australian Shepherd.