Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Generalized (gPRA) - Schapendoe

Generalized progressive retinal atrophies (gPRA) are a group of inherited retinal dystrophies characterised by continuous degeneration of photoreceptor cells leading to night blindness, progressive vision loss and usually to total blindness. gPRA vary in different breeds by the age of onset. A late onset gPRA was also described in Schapendoes breed. Dogs are born normal with an age of onset between 2-5 years. At first, they develop night blindness which later leads to day blindness. Genetic defect causes a formation of a non-functional protein in retina, which is responsible for the development of the disease.

Inheritance: autosomal recessive

Mutation: CCDC66 gene

Genetic test: The method used for testing is extremely accurate and allows complete differentiation between affected animals, carriers and healthy dogs. Testing can be done at any age.