Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Early Onset (Spanish Water Dog)(PRA-EO)
Also known as: Early Onset Progressive Retinal Atrophy · eo-PRA · Early-onset PRA in Spanish Water Dogs · Frühzeitige progressive Retinaatrophie · Progressive Netzhautatrophie früh einsetzend
Overview
What it is
Early Onset Progressive Retinal Atrophy, also known as EOPRA, is an inherited eye disease that causes the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, called the retina, to waste away prematurely. Because it is an autosomal-recessive condition, a dog must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to develop the disease. Over time, this cellular degeneration prevents the eye from sending clear visual signals to the brain, resulting in progressive and permanent vision loss.
How it presents
Owners typically first notice night blindness, such as bumping into objects or hesitating in dark rooms, starting in puppyhood or around 1.5 years of age. As the condition advances, daytime vision also deteriorates, usually leading to complete blindness by early adulthood.
Treatment
There is no cure to reverse or stop this condition, but it is painless and dogs can adapt well to vision loss with proper support. Lifelong management primarily involves initial diagnostic testing, periodic eye examinations, and lifestyle adjustments, with typical costs ranging from 300 to 1500 EUR.
How it's tested
ECVO Augenuntersuchung (DOK)(ECVO-DOK)
Primary testEye examAugenuntersuchung durch ECVO-zertifizierten Augentierarzt (Dortmunder Kreis). Erkennt PRA, Katarakt, Entropium, CEA, MPP, RD u.a.
Issuing body: ECVO
Result scheme: Eye-ECVO
Labogen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch)(Labogen-Panel)
DNA testRassespezifisches DNA-Panel (Labogen / Laboklin) — bündelt alle relevanten Erbkrankheiten der Rasse in einem Test.
Issuing body: Labogen
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Feragen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch)(Feragen-Panel)
DNA testRassespezifisches DNA-Panel (Feragen, Österreich) — gleiches Konzept wie Labogen.
Issuing body: Feragen
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Embark Breed + Health Panel(Embark)
DNA testUS-Anbieter; 250+ genetische Erkrankungen + Abstammung. Anerkennung in DE/AT variiert je nach VDH-Verein.
Issuing body: Embark
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
MyDogDNA Panel(MyDogDNA)
DNA testGenoscoper-basiertes Panel (Mars Petcare). 200+ Erkrankungen + Rassenkomposition.
Issuing body: MyDogDNA
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Affected breeds
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Early Onset (Spanish Water Dog)?
Early Onset Progressive Retinal Atrophy, also known as EOPRA, is an inherited eye disease that causes the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, called the retina, to waste away prematurely. Because it is an autosomal-recessive condition, a dog must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to develop the disease. Over time, this cellular degeneration prevents the eye from sending clear visual signals to the brain, resulting in progressive and permanent vision loss.
How is Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Early Onset (Spanish Water Dog) tested?
Tests currently in our database: ECVO Augenuntersuchung (DOK), Labogen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch), Feragen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch), Embark Breed + Health Panel, MyDogDNA Panel.
Which breeds are most affected?
This condition isn't tied to a specific breed in our database.