Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)

Collie eye anomaly (CEA, Choroidal Hypoplasia-CH) is a hereditary eye disease in dogs, characterized by different level of impairment of the retina and choroid sclera that occurs during development of the eye. The inheritable disease is not progressive and the state after eye development remains stable. For this disease no drugs exist and it cannot be treated. The main symptom in affected dogs is hypoplasia (under development) of choroid, which is an important layer of the eye under the retina. In dogs with more extensive CEA disease the hypoplasia of retina or coloboma development may occur. The extent of this disease is different in each dog. Known symptoms range from mild to very severe that can lead to blindness.

Inheritance: autosomal recessive

Mutation: NHEJ1 gene

Genetic test: The method used for testing is extremely accurate and allows complete differentiation between affected animals, carriers and healthy dogs. Testing can be done at any age.