Genetic test could eradicate a type of inherited blindness in dogs

Research inspired by a rescue dog may allow breeders to avoid using canines with progressive retinal atrophy

A mountain rescue dog whose duties ended after her eyesight failed has helped scientists create a test that could eradicate the genetic eye condition in her breed for good.

Shola the English shepherd has an inherited eye disease called progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) that causes the light-sensitive cells at the back of the eye to deteriorate, eventually leading to blindness.