Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) in Beagles

Quick Summary

This inherited primary open angle glaucoma in Beagles results from a mutation in the gene ADAMTS10. The condition is characterized by increased pressure in the eye; nerve damage, vision loss, lens subluxation, and blindness may result.

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Phenotype: Elevated intraocular pressure (pressure in the eye) may be observed upon ophthalmic examination. The condition might not be noticed by owners until dog begins to show signs of vision loss. If untreated, nerve damage, vision loss, lens subluxation, and blindness may result.

Mode of Inheritance: Autosomal recessive

Alleles: N = Normal, PO = Primary open angle glaucoma

Breeds appropriate for testing: Beagle

Explanation of Results:

  • Dogs with N/N genotype will not have this inherited primary open angle glaucoma and cannot transmit this variant to their offspring.
  • Dogs with N/PO genotype will not be affected by this inherited primary open angle glaucoma, but are carriers. They may transmit this variant to 50% of their offspring. Matings between two carriers are predicted to produce 25% primary open angle glaucoma-affected puppies.
  • Dogs with PO/PO genotype will have this inherited primary open angle glaucoma, a condition potentially leading to blindness, and will transmit this variant to all of their offspring.

Results of this test can be submitted to the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals)

Turnaround Time
At least 15 business days; may be delayed beyond 15 business days if sample requires additional testing, or a new sample is requested.
Price

$55 single test per animal ($5 discount on 3 or more dogs)

$25 as additional health test on same animal

Sample Collection

Dog DNA tests are carried out using cells brushed from your dog's cheeks and gums. The preferred cytology brushes are sent to you by mail, or you may provide your own brushes. For accepted alternative brushes, click here

We recommend waiting until puppies are at least three weeks old before testing.

 

Dog having its cheeks and gums brushed for DNA samples
Cheek and gum brushing technique for canine DNA sample collection

Step-By-Step:

  1. Make sure the dog has not had anything to eat or drink for at least 1 hour prior to collecting sample.
  2. When swabbing puppies, isolate each puppy from the mother, littermates and any shared toys for 1 hour prior to swabbing. Puppies should not have nursed or eaten for 1 hour prior to collecting sample.
  3. If collecting samples from more than one dog, make sure to sample one dog at a time and wash your hands before swabbing another dog.
  4. Label brush sleeve with name or ID of dog to be sampled.
  5. Open brush sleeve by arrow and remove one brush by its handle.
  6. Place bristle head between the dog’s gums and cheek and press lightly on the outside of the cheek while rubbing or rotating the brush back and forth for 15 seconds.
  7. Wave the brush in the air for 20 seconds to air dry.
  8. Insert brush back into sleeve.
  9. Repeat steps 5 - 8 for each unused brush in sleeve on a fresh area of cheek and gums. Make sure to use and return all brushes sent by the VGL. In most cases, it will be 3 brushes per dog. If using interdental gum brushes, please note that the VGL requires 4 brushes per dog and only moderate or wide interdental gum brushes are accepted.
  10. Do not seal brushes in sleeve.
  11. Place all samples in an envelope and return to the address provided.

ATTENTION:

  • Do not collect saliva/drool – the key to obtaining a good sample is getting cheek cells on the swab
  • Do not rub swab on the dog’s tongue or teeth – this will result in poor quality sample
  • Do not collect a sample from a puppy that has recently nursed – the mother’s genetic material can rub off on the puppy’s mouth and contaminate the sample
Additional Details

Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) in the Beagle breed is an autosomal recessive disorder resulting from a mutation in the gene ADAMTS10. The mutation causes pressure in the eye to increase and, if untreated, nerve damage, vision loss, lens subluxation, and blindness may result. Both sexes are equally affected and carriers for the mutation do not exhibit any effects. The mutation has an estimated frequency of 1% in the Beagle population.

This DNA test detects the ADAMTS10 mutation that causes POAG in Beagles.

 

Note: This test does not detect other forms of POAG that occur in other breeds.