Details about the disease
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is an inherited condition that several breeds of dog are predisposed to. The condition is characterised by bilateral degeneration of the retina, causing progressive vision loss that culminates in total blindness. There is no treatment for PRA, of which several genetically distinct forms are recognised, each caused by a different mutation in a specific gene.
Clinical signs
Vision loss and eventual blindness.
How is it inherited?
The disease is described as an autosomal-recessive condition. This means that a dog must inherit two copies of an abnormal gene (one from its mother and one from its father) before its health is affected. A dog that inherits only one copy of the abnormal gene (from its mother or its father) will have no signs of the disease, but will be a carrier and may pass the gene on to any offspring.
Which laboratories test for this condition?
A list of laboratories that test for PRA5 can be found below.
Laboratories that send a copy of your dog's results straight to The Kennel Club, so you don't have to.
| Laboratories | Contact details |
|---|---|
|
Kennel Club CombiBreed (UK) Available as part of an all-on one health test package for Giant Schnauzers. |
Read more about CombiBreed |
| Animal DNA Diagnostics (UK) | Phone: 01223 395577 Email: Animal DNA Diagnostics Web: www.animaldnadiagnostics.co.uk |
| AHT (UK) | The AHT closed down on 31 July and no longer offers this test. Web: www.aht.org.uk |
| Labokiln (UK) | Phone: 0161 282 3066 Email: Laboklin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Web: www.laboklin.co.uk |
Where will your dog's results be published?
DNA test results from these laboratories are sent directly to The Kennel Club and are recorded on to the dog's record in the registration database, and are published:
- in the next available Breed Records Supplement
- on our Health Test Results Finder
Breeding advice and what your dog's results mean
If, once your dog is DNA tested, you would like to find out what their DNA test results mean, or how to select the right mate to avoid producing affected puppies, then please read our breeding advice and DNA testing information.
How to find out if a potential mate has been DNA tested
The Kennel Club’s Health Test Results Finder allows you to find the results of DNA tests carried out as part of The Kennel Club's official DNA testing schemes for any dog on The Kennel Club’s Breed Register.