Dental-Skeletal-Retinal Anomaly in Dogs

Category: Bone & Joint
Breeds documented: 1
Published sources: 5

Overview

Dental, bone and eye changes occur together in DSRA, a hereditary disorder described in Cane Corso dogs. Both baby and adult teeth can be fragile, unusually translucent and discolored. Affected dogs may grow unevenly, with short, bent legs. The retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, progressively deteriorates, causing vision loss. Research has linked this syndrome to a change in the MIA3 gene.

Signs to watch for

Fragile teeth with brown or pink discoloration
Teeth that look unusually translucent
Small size with short, bent legs
Progressively reduced vision
Limping from an early age

Changes can affect baby teeth; retinal disease was documented in one puppy at 5 months.

When to get help Book a vet visit if your dog is limping.

Diagnosis and tests

Veterinary assessment includes a clinical examination of the teeth, body proportions and eyes. An eye examination can reveal degeneration of the retina, while dental X-rays can show problems beneath the visible tooth surface. A DNA test is available for DSRA.

Breeds with documented risk

1 breed

By breed size

1 Large

Cane CorsoLarge · Working Group

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.