Juvenile cataract (FYCO1-related) - Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

What does this test examine?

This genetic test analyses the FYCO1 variant c.2024delG in the Griffon Korthals. The condition is known as juveniele cataract / staar, also called early-onset cataract, juvenile cataract and FYCO1-related cataract.

Juvenile cataract is an early form of lens opacity. In affected dogs the lens can become cloudy at a young age, reducing vision and allowing breeding dogs to pass on an inherited risk variant unnoticed.

Practical value of this test

• The result helps breeders identify carriers and dogs with a relevant risk genotype.
• It supports breeding choices that strongly reduce the chance of affected puppies.
• For owners and veterinarians, the result adds clear genetic context for early signs, breed screening and breeding or purchase decisions.

Who benefits from this test?

This analysis is valuable for breeders who want to know inherited risks before planning a mating, for owners who want clarity about their dog’s genetic status and for veterinarians who want genetic context for early or breed-associated signs. The test supports selection without unnecessarily excluding good breeding animals: a carrier can often still be used responsibly when paired with a clear-tested partner.

• helps reveal hidden carriers before puppies are born;
• makes pedigree and line planning more concrete because each dog has its own result;
• reduces the chance of unexpected affected puppies when results are used consistently;
• gives buyers and puppy owners clearer information about inherited health within the line.

Inheritance and result meaning

The condition is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait: two copies cause disease, while one copy means carrier status. This makes the test especially useful for identifying carriers before breeding. Other eye disorders may still occur independently of this variant.