Progressive Retinal Atrophy, rod-cone dysplasia 4(PRA-rcd4)
Also known as: Rod-cone dysplasia 4 · Late-onset Progressive Retinal Atrophy · rcd4-PRA · Progressive retinal atrophy rcd4 · C2orf71-PRA · …
Overview
What it is
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (rcd4) is an inherited eye disease that causes the gradual degeneration of the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. Over time, the specialized photoreceptor cells responsible for detecting light and color slowly die off. This progressive loss of cells eventually leads to complete blindness in both eyes.
How it presents
Owners typically first notice signs of night blindness, such as bumping into objects or hesitancy in the dark, with symptoms usually appearing late in life between 7 and 10 years of age. As the condition progresses, daytime vision also slowly deteriorates until the dog loses its sight entirely.
Treatment
There is no cure or treatment to reverse this condition, but the disease itself is painless. Lifetime management costs range from 300 to 1200 EUR, which primarily cover the initial veterinary ophthalmologist diagnosis and supportive care.
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
6 of 6 breeds
Mandatory testEnglish PointerMandated by Verein für Pointer und Setter e.V.
Mandatory testEnglish SetterMandated by Verein für Pointer und Setter e.V.
Mandatory testIrish Red and White SetterMandated by Verein für Pointer und Setter e.V.
Mandatory testIrish Red Setter
Mandatory testPolish Lowland Sheepdog
RecommendedGordon Setter
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Progressive Retinal Atrophy, rod-cone dysplasia 4?
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (rcd4) is an inherited eye disease that causes the gradual degeneration of the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. Over time, the specialized photoreceptor cells responsible for detecting light and color slowly die off. This progressive loss of cells eventually leads to complete blindness in both eyes.
How is Progressive Retinal Atrophy, rod-cone dysplasia 4 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?
Most commonly affected: English Pointer, English Setter, Irish Red and White Setter, Irish Red Setter, Polish Lowland Sheepdog, Gordon Setter.