In 2021, some researchers in Switzerland worked with a number of Corso breeders to identify the cause of a genetic disease that has been cropping up unexpectedly for the last couple decades in various litters. What was later identified as Dental-Skeletal-Retinal Anomaly (DSRA) was presenting as small, sickly puppies who would grow up and have fragile, glass-like teeth that later shattered causing terrible pain and suffering to these dogs. They also appeared to have dwarf-like growth of bones and progressive blindness. All these issues combined to create a very sickly dog that rarely lives past the age of 2. As a result of the hard work of a few breeders around the world, the specific gene was identified that causes DSRA and LABOGEN was the first laboratory to offer worldwide testing.

In the US, we can now find tests through OFA, Embark, University of Missouri, and soon Pawprint Genetics as well. Some labs offer testing via buccal (cheek) swabs while others offer whole blood analysis. We immediately tested all of our foundation dogs and have cleared our entire program of carrying this disease. Despite knowing then that the offspring are clear, we are currently continuing to test the remainder of our program until they are all definitively identified as being clear of this disease. Additionally, now that Embark has picked up the test, we will naturally test all future pups before they go home so our puppy families can be certain they will not have an affected dog in the future!

Full openly published scientific study can be found HERE if you would like to read the full research.