Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA-rcd2)

A disease represents one of the many forms of an inherited progressive retinal atrophy. This form of the disease occurs only at Rough and Smooth Collies. A progressive degeneration of the photoreceptors (rods and plugs) in the eye characterizes the disease. The first changes of a visual impairment appearing as the night blindness occur at the age of six weeks. Clinical signs are increasing and at the age of six or eight months, the dogs with rcd2 defect are functionally blind.

Inheritance: autosomal recessive

Mutation: RD3 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.