DNA test - Macular corneal dystrophy (MCD)

The DNA test for macular corneal dystrophy (MCD) can be used by breeders and owners to screen their dogs for the gene variant linked to this health condition.

Details about the disease

MCD is an inherited eye disease that causes problems with a dog’s sight. In affected dogs, a build-up of carbohydrate causes the surface of the eye (the cornea) to become cloudy.

Clinical signs

Dogs with MCD usually show signs around four to six years old. Affected dogs will have cloudy eyes that may have grey or white spots on the surface. As their eyes become cloudier, they may have problems seeing and may be more likely to bump into things, walk more slowly or may be more nervous when visiting new places. 

What causes macular corneal dystrophy
Macular corneal dystrophy is an inherited condition, which means that some dogs may be more at risk of a health issue because of the genes they inherited from their parents. This particular disease is described as an autosomal-recessive condition. This means that a dog must inherit two copies of an abnormal gene (one from their mother and one from their father) before their health is affected.

How is it inherited

The disease is described as an autosomal-recessive condition. This means that a dog must inherit two copies of an abnormal gene (one from its mother and one from its father) before its health is affected. A dog that inherits only one copy of the abnormal gene (from its mother or its father) will have no signs of the disease, but will be a carrier and may pass the gene on to any offspring.

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Which laboratories do we record and publish the results from?

To find out which laboratories The Kennel Club is able to record results from, and which laboratories will send results directly to The Kennel Club, please refer to our website.

Please be aware, The Kennel Club has a set of criteria that we request DNA testing laboratories to meet to enable us to record their results, helping to maintain and protect the integrity of results that appear on a dog’s record. We strongly advise that customers ensure their chosen laboratory is included on our list if they wish The Kennel Club to record and publish the results. Results from laboratories not included on this list will not be recorded.

Breeding advice and what your dog's results mean

If, once your dog is DNA tested, you would like to find out what their DNA test results mean, or how to select the right mate to avoid producing affected puppies, then please read our breeding advice and DNA testing information.

How to find out if a potential mate has been DNA tested

The health test results finder allows you to find the results of DNA tests carried out as part of our official DNA testing schemes for any dog on The Kennel Club’s Breed Register.