The geographic form of retinal dysplasia in dogs is not always a congenital abnormality.

To examine the congenital nature of the geographic form of focal/multifocal retinal dysplasia, we carried out a retrospective analysis of the medical records of dogs produced in a closed colony of service dogs who receive very thorough ophthalmologic examinations early in their life, and later, when they return for training. Medical records were reviewed from all dogs produced by The Seeing Eye, Inc. between October 1991 and September 1998, and which had a diagnosis of geographic retinal dysplasia coded. We identified 23 dogs of five different breeds or interbreed crosses that comprise the breeding and production program (Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Labrador Retriever/Golden Retriever cross and German Shepherd/Labrador Retriever cross) in which the results of at least two complete ophthalmic examinations were documented, the first before 10 weeks of age, and the second when the dog was a young adult. Of the 23 dogs, only one was identified as affected with the geographic form of retinal dysplasia when examined at 5-6 weeks of age. The remaining dogs were normal. Our findings indicate that, in most cases, the geographic form of retinal dysplasia is not present in dogs prior to 10 weeks of age. These findings indicate the need to revise recommendations for early screening of dogs for retinal dysplasia.