Scientists use English Mastiff to study eye disease

Researchers at Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania have discovered that the English Mastiff breed is the best animal model of the human eye disease, Retinitis Pigmentosa. The breed can carry a gene defect for Progressive Retinal Atrophy, (PRA). In April, Cornell scientists discovered the genetic mutation of a defective gene which causes the PRA blindness in the English Mastiff.

The research is expected to allow scientists to find treatments and cures for these forms of blindness in humans, and it will also help to eradicate the condition in dogs. Scientists have already developed a genetic screening test for breeders to help eliminate the defective gene in purebred English Mastiffs.

The study is being sponsored in part by The Foundation Fighting Blindness.