Glaucoma is characterized by reduced outflow of intraocular fluid and elevated intraocular pressure. The first clinical signs are usually early onset for this condition. Goniodysgenesis, narrowing or closure of the iridocorneal angle through which the aqueous humor drains, may be detectable through gonioscopy. Goniodysgenesis may lead to glaucoma, however some dogs will go through their lives without any increase in eye pressure despite severe goniodysgenesis. Untreated glaucoma may lead to damage to the retina, resulting in vision loss and blindness.

Routine monitoring of eye pressures is recommended. Medical management may be an option for glaucoma. Advanced cases which do not respond well to medical therapy may benefit from enucleation.

There are many responsibilities to consider when breeding dogs. Regardless of test results it is important that your dog is in good general health and that you are in a position to care for the puppies if new responsible owners are not found. For first time or novice breeders, advice can be found at most kennel club websites.

This disease is autosomal recessive meaning that two copies of the mutation are needed for disease signs to develop. A carrier dog with one copy of the Goniodysgenesis and glaucoma mutation can be safely bred with a clear dog with no copies of the Goniodysgenesis and glaucoma mutation. About half of the puppies will have one copy (carriers) and half will have no copies of the Goniodysgenesis and glaucoma mutation. Puppies in a litter which is expected to contain carriers should be tested prior to breeding. Carrier to carrier matings are not advised as the resulting litter may contain affected puppies. Please note: It is possible that disease signs similar to the ones caused by the Goniodysgenesis and glaucoma mutation could develop due to a different genetic or clinical cause.