Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Late Onset (PRA-IFT122)

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a group of hereditary diseases characterized by vision impairment due to retinal degeneration, which is a result of progressive cell death of the rod and cone photoreceptors in the retina. A late-onset variant of PRA called IFT122 was characterized in Lapponian herders. Clinical symptoms, which include retinal thinning, atrophy of the optic disc, diffuse tapetal hyperreflectivity, retinal vascular weakening, night blindness and decline in daylight vision become apparent in affected dogs around 9 years of age. Progression of the disease is slow, as some dogs still have minimal vision capacity in late stages of life.

Inheritance: autosomal recessive

Mutation: IFT122 gene

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