Progressive retinal atrophy (rcd3-PRA)

LABOKLIN Service ID: 8354

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a leading hereditary cause of blindness in pedigree dogs as is its counterpart retinitis pigmentosa (RP) in humans. PRA shows genetic heterogeneity, as does RP, with several distinct forms already recognized and several more remaining to be investigated. One can distinguish between late onset forms of PRA and early onset (whelp-age) dysplastic changes. The clinical and ophthalmologic signs of both forms are similar. Affected dogs suffer from bilateral Mydriasis, the reflection of the Tapetum lucidum is increased and the retinal vascular network appears atrophic.
Rod cone dysplasia type 3 (rcd3) can be detected opthalmologically in Welsh Corgi Cardigans between 6 and 16 weeks of age. Affected dogs go blind before reaching the age of one year. Some animals retain partial vision up to the age of 3 to 4 years.

Method	sequencing
Breed list	Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Chinese Crested Dog, Pomeranian, Welsh Corgi (Cardigan/Pembroke)
Heredity	autosomal recessive
Duration	1 - 2 weeks after arrival of the sample in the lab