Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)(PRA)
Also known as: Progressive Retinal Atrophy · Progressive Retinaatrophie · gPRA · Generalisierte progressive Retinaatrophie · Retinal degeneration · …
Overview
What it is
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an inherited eye disease that affects the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. In this condition, the specialized cells responsible for detecting light, known as photoreceptors, gradually degenerate and die. Because these cells cannot recover or be replaced, the disease slowly but inevitably leads to complete blindness.
How it presents
Owners typically first notice night blindness in young to middle-aged dogs, characterized by hesitation or bumping into objects in low light. As daytime vision also begins to fail, you may notice dilated pupils that react slowly to light, or an unusually bright, reflective shine in the eyes.
Treatment
There is no cure or treatment to stop the progression of PRA, but the condition is painless and most dogs adapt well to their gradual vision loss. Lifetime costs, primarily for the initial veterinary ophthalmologist diagnosis and supportive care, typically range from 400 to 1,800 EUR.
How it's tested
PRA-prcd DNA-Test(PRA-prcd)
Primary testDNA testProgressive Retina-Atrophie (prcd-Variante). Autosomal rezessiv. Erkennt Anlageträger.
Issuing body: Optigen
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
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
24 of 229 breeds
Mandatory testAmerican Cocker Spaniel
Mandatory testAmerican Eskimo Dog
Mandatory testAppenzell Mountain DogMandated by Schweizer Sennenhund-Verein für Deutschland e.V.
Mandatory testAussiedoodle
Mandatory testAustralian Labradoodle
Mandatory testAustralian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
Mandatory testBernedoodle
Mandatory testBernese Mountain DogMandated by Schweizer Sennenhund-Verein für Deutschland e.V.
Mandatory testBiewer TerrierMandated by Verband Deutscher Kleinhundezüchter e.V.
Mandatory testBrazilian Terrier
Mandatory testBritish Collie
Mandatory testCavapoochon
Mandatory testCesky Terrier
Mandatory testChinese Crested Dog
Mandatory testCockapoo
Mandatory testCocker Spaniel
Mandatory testDandie Dinmont Terrier
Mandatory testDutch Schapendoes
Mandatory testDutch Shepherd (Longhair)
Mandatory testDutch Shepherd (Wire-Haired)
Mandatory testEast Siberian Laika
Mandatory testEnglish PointerMandated by Verein für Pointer und Setter e.V.
Mandatory testEnglish SetterMandated by Verein für Pointer und Setter e.V.
Mandatory testEnglish Toy Terrier (Black and Tan)
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)?
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an inherited eye disease that affects the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. In this condition, the specialized cells responsible for detecting light, known as photoreceptors, gradually degenerate and die. Because these cells cannot recover or be replaced, the disease slowly but inevitably leads to complete blindness.
How is Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) tested?
Tests currently in our database: PRA-prcd DNA-Test, ECVO Augenuntersuchung (DOK), Labogen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch), Feragen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch), Embark Breed + Health Panel, MyDogDNA Panel.
Which breeds are most affected?
Most commonly affected: American Cocker Spaniel, American Eskimo Dog, Appenzell Mountain Dog, Aussiedoodle, Australian Labradoodle, Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog, Bernedoodle, Bernese Mountain Dog.