Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Whippet(PRA)
Also known as: Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Whippets · Whippet PRA · gPRA Whippet · Progressive Netzhautatrophie beim Whippet · Whippet progressive retinal atrophy · …
Overview
What it is
This is an inherited eye disease in Whippets caused by a genetic mutation in the CABP4 gene, which affects the light-sensitive cells of the retina at the back of the eye. Over time, these cells gradually degenerate and lose their ability to send visual signals to the brain, eventually leading to complete blindness. Because it is an autosomal-recessive condition, a dog must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to develop the disease.
How it presents
Owners typically first notice signs of night blindness, such as hesitancy to go into dark rooms or navigate outdoors at night, with symptoms usually starting between 2 and 5 years of age. Over time, this progresses to a gradual loss of daytime vision.
Treatment
There is no cure for this condition, but it is painless and dogs can adapt well to vision loss with supportive care. Lifelong management involves regular veterinary ophthalmologist visits and lifestyle adjustments, with expected costs ranging from 500 to 2,500 EUR.
How it's tested
Labogen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch)(Labogen-Panel)
Primary testDNA 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 (PRA), Whippet?
This is an inherited eye disease in Whippets caused by a genetic mutation in the CABP4 gene, which affects the light-sensitive cells of the retina at the back of the eye. Over time, these cells gradually degenerate and lose their ability to send visual signals to the brain, eventually leading to complete blindness. Because it is an autosomal-recessive condition, a dog must inherit the mutated gene from both parents to develop the disease.
How is Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Whippet tested?
Tests currently in our database: 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.