The anatomical structure of the human
eye is very similar to that of a dog's eye. Therefore, learning about
issues in the eyes of dogs might shed light on understanding similar
problems in human eyes. In an international effort that spanned the
course of a decade, scientists from Sweden, Finland and the United
States teamed up to understand a type of retinal disease found in
Swedish vallhund dogs.
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| Swedish vallhund (photo: TS Eriksson via Wikimedia Commons) |
The Swedish vallhund is a fairly rare
breed that almost became extinct in the 1940's. These pups have been
used for hundreds of years as a herding dog. Despite the dog's short,
Corgi-like legs, and diminutive appearance, they are active and
effective work dogs.
Scientists recently identified the
underlying issue causing progressive retinal atrophy (PRA),
ultimately blindness, in these dogs. The blindness is caused to a
gene defect on the MERTK gene. This gene defect is associated with
one of the most common forms of human blindness throughout the world,
a type of human retinitis pigmentosa (RP). This type of human RP is
currently incurable, so learning more about the gene defect in eyes
that are similar to our own, like those in these dogs, could serve
very useful in developing potential human treatments.
This research began when scientists
from the University of Helsinki
discovered some abnormalities in the eyes of Swedish vallhunds in the
1990s. In 2004, the same problems were brought to the attention of a
researcher at the University of Michigan and an
international collaboration of scientists began shortly after. With a
strong team of researchers, this group has been able to not only
identify a new disease and the genetics behind it, but has also
investigated glaucoma in the Norwegian Elkhound. They were able to
develop genetic testing related to glaucoma to help breeders prevent
it. Plans for future studies include learning about possibilities of
a MTERK inhibitor that could serve as a therapy for this type of
blindness in the Swedish vallhund. Although it will take time, these
studies could give way to important information on how to prevent
blindness caused by human RP.
Several studies have been completed on
dogs that may have direct impact on understanding the health of
humans. In 2010, work with Staffordshire terriers linked genes for a
rare and fatal neurodegenerative disease in humans and the dogs. In
2011, researchers found that genetic mutations in Tibetan terriers
was also found in a fatal human disorder related to Parkinson's
disease. In 2013, studies of the Dandie Dinmont terrier began to pave
the way to understanding the gene behind a certain type of glaucoma
associated with human glaucoma. These are just a few examples of how
learning about one of our favorite types of animals could mean dogs
truly are man's best friend!
Read more:
- Science Daily: "Discovery of mutated gene in dogs could help treat blindness"
- PLoS ONE: "A Novel Form of Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Swedish Vallhund Dogs" (Full Text)
- Nature World News: "Mutated Gene in Dogs May Open Door to Blindness Treatment in Humans"
- Michigan State University: College of Veterinary Medicine: "International team identifies gene mutation responsible for blinding disease"
Human and Dog Vision Resources:
- A tool for understanding dog vision
- Museum of Vision (The Foundation of American Academy of Ophthalmology)
- Animal Eyes Guide by the Museum of Vision [excellent guide to human and other animal eyes]
- "The Eyes Have it!" Education World's collection of eye lessons and activities
- "The World Through Animal Eyes" Kids Discover article
- How the Body Works: Your Eyes
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