Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA-PRCD)

Progressive retinal atrophy is an inherited disease that occurs in many breeds of dogs and is reflected in various forms. Form of progressive degeneration of rods and cones is the photoreceptor degeneration in dogs and occurs at different ages. The genetic defect causes degeneration of the retina cells in the eye. First, rods are affected; therefore firstly the night blindness occurs. Subsequently impairment of cones occurs, resulting in complete blindness of animal in optimum lighting conditions such as daylight. The disease typically occurs in the early stage of childhood or early adulthood. However, the time of occurrence may be variable and depends on the breed of dog. Because the diagnosis of diseases of the retina is demanding, the genetic tests can help in the diagnosis of prcd-PRA.

Inheritance: autosomal recessive

Mutation: PRCD 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.