RVED
Retinopathy with Vitamin E Deficiency
Testing method
Ophthalmoscopic examination of the retina following pupil dilation. The characteristic early finding is light brown pigment foci in the lateral tapetal fundus, which become more numerous and spread across the whole tapetal fundus over time, eventually coalescing into larger islands of pigment with irregular hyper-reflective areas between them. Annual examination is recommended for breeding Cocker Spaniels.
What is retinopathy with vitamin E deficiency?
Retinopathy with vitamin E deficiency (RVED) is an inherited retinal condition in which affected dogs have a genetic inability to absorb or utilise vitamin E normally. The resulting vitamin E deficiency causes characteristic changes to the retinal pigment epithelium — the layer of cells beneath the photoreceptors — leading to progressive retinal pigment disturbance visible on ophthalmoscopic examination.
Unlike most inherited retinal degenerations, RVED does not follow an inevitable course to blindness. Affected dogs typically retain useful vision, and if the vitamin E deficiency is identified and corrected through appropriate dietary supplementation, the progression of the retinal changes can be slowed or halted. However, the condition is still of significance for breeding programmes, as the underlying metabolic defect is inherited and affected dogs may pass it to their offspring.
Important name change from January 2026
RVED was previously known by two different names: Retinal Pigment Epithelial Dystrophy (RPED) and, historically, Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy (CPRA). From 1 January 2026, the condition has been officially renamed Retinopathy with Vitamin E Deficiency (RVED) across the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme, following the identification of the causative TTPA gene deletion in the English Cocker Spaniel by researchers at the Animal Health Trust.
Alongside the renaming, all breeds other than the Cocker Spaniel have been removed from the RVED schedule. Previously, several other breeds were certified for RPED. If a dog of another breed presents with clinical signs consistent with RVED, the panellist will note the findings in the comments section of the certificate but will not tick the RVED boxes.
If you have older certificates for your Cocker Spaniel showing RPED or CPRA, these remain valid historical records.
Breeds affected
From 1 January 2026, RVED is certified under the BVA scheme in the Cocker Spaniel only.
What the examination involves
The examination is performed following pupil dilation with tropicamide drops. The panellist examines the tapetal fundus for the characteristic pigmentary changes associated with RVED. Early signs include small light brown pigment foci in the lateral tapetal fundus. As the condition progresses, these become more numerous and spread across the tapetal fundus, eventually coalescing with areas of increased reflectivity between them. In advanced cases the pigment becomes less obvious as the hyper-reflectivity increases.
Annual examination is recommended for Cocker Spaniels used for breeding, from 18 months of age onwards. Electroretinography (ERG) is not diagnostically informative for this condition.
Neurological signs
Cocker Spaniels with RVED may also develop neurological signs related to the systemic vitamin E deficiency, including ataxia (an unsteady gait) and proprioceptive deficits particularly affecting the hindlimbs. If your Cocker Spaniel shows any of these signs alongside retinal changes, veterinary investigation of systemic vitamin E levels is recommended.