Retinal dysplasia is best described as which of the following?

• A. A normal variation seen in all dog breeds
• B. A degenerative change seen in elderly horses
• C. A developmental malformation seen mainly in dogs, with folds or geographic areas and non-attachment; DO NOT BREED
• D. An infectious inflammatory process of the retina

Answer: (C)

Retinal dysplasia is a developmental malformation of the retina, usually present at birth or early in life, most often in dogs. It produces abnormal retinal architecture such as folds or geographic areas and non-attachment of the retina. Because it’s a developmental, often hereditary condition, affected dogs are typically advised not to be bred to help prevent passing the trait. It is not a normal variation seen in all breeds, not a degenerative change of elderly horses, and not an infectious inflammatory process of the retina.