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 231 breeds
Afghan HoundMandatory testMandated by Deutscher Windhundzucht- und Rennverband e.V. (DWZRV)
American Cocker SpanielRecommended standard
American Eskimo DogRecommended standard
AussiedoodleRecommended standard
Australian LabradoodleRecommended standard
Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle DogRecommended standard
BasenjiMandatory testMandated by 1. Basenji Klub Deutschland von 1977 e.V. (BKD)
BernedoodleRecommended standard
Brazilian TerrierRecommended standard
British CollieRecommended standard
Cardigan Welsh CorgiMandatory testMandated by Club für Britische Hütehunde e.V. (CfBrH)
CavapoochonRecommended standard
Cesky TerrierRecommended standard
Chinese Crested DogRecommended standard
CockapooRecommended standard
Cocker SpanielRecommended standard
Continental Toy Spaniel (Papillon)Mandatory testMandated by Verband Deutscher Kleinhundezüchter e.V.
Dandie Dinmont TerrierRecommended standard
Dutch SchapendoesRecommended standard
Dutch Shepherd (Longhair)Recommended standard
Dutch Shepherd (Wire-Haired)Recommended standard
East Siberian LaikaRecommended standard
English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan)Recommended standard
Entlebucher Mountain DogMandatory testMandated by Schweizer Sennenhund-Verein für Deutschland e.V. (SSV)
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment costs. Actual costs depend on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked questions
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: Afghan Hound, American Cocker Spaniel, American Eskimo Dog, Aussiedoodle, Australian Labradoodle, Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog, Basenji, Bernedoodle.