Inherited eye diseases in dogs cause significant welfare harm that responsible breeding programs can progressively reduce through systematic screening.
Inherited eye diseases cause welfare harm that accumulates over years as affected dogs gradually lose vision or develop painful intraocular pressure. PRA causes progressive rod and cone photoreceptor degeneration that progresses to complete blindness, typically by middle age. While blind dogs adapt well and can maintain good quality of life, the progressive visual impairment and the breeds' often high visual activity needs make this a significant welfare compromise. Primary glaucoma causes intense, constant pressure pain that owners often miss because dogs stoically continue normal behavior. Breeding screening programs that identify and remove affected individuals and carriers from breeding progressively reduce the prevalence of these conditions across generations - the most effective long-term welfare intervention.