Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
What is PRA
PRA is a degenerative, hereditary disease of the retina that affects the vision of many purebred dogs.
Clinical signs of PRA
Dogs with PRA initially show night blindness, lack of confidence in dim lighting and seek out lights. Gradually with time, day vision also becomes affected. As the disease progresses, cataracts form and these can lead to complications like cataract induced uveitis, glaucoma and lens luxation.
Breeds that develop PRA
Golden Retriever, Poodle, Miniature Schnauzer, Labrador Retriever, Australian Cattle Dog, English Cocker Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, Tibetan Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel, Dachshund and Papillon.
Treatment for PRA
There is no actual treatment to reverse the process of the retina degenerating, however, Ocuglo may help some patients to slow the rate of progression.
Treatment of cataracts
Since the retina is degenerating cataract surgery is not usually performed in patients with advanced PRA. Some individuals with early PRA have rapidly developing cataracts whilst still having some reserve retinal function. These patients may benefit from cataract surgery for a period of time.
Cataract induced uveitis or inflammation in the eye must be treated with topical anti-inflammatory drugs. This treatment slows downs the progression of complications associated with the cataract.
Always watch the whites of the eye for redness. This may be the early stages of cataract-induced uveitis.
Genetics
Many forms of PRA are autosomal recessive. This means both parents have passed on a faulty gene to their offspring. Many breeds of dogs can now be tested to see if they carry the gene for PRA. Typically a cheek swab is taken and sent off to a laboratory. Further information can be ascertained the following web site.
Affected dogs should not be bred from and it is important to let your breeder know.
AHT – Animal Health Trust www.aht.org.uk
Animal – Genetics http://www.animalgenetics.us
ASAP Laboratories http://www.asaplab.com.au/DNA.html
Coping with vision loss
When dogs lose vision gradually, they tend to develop amazing coping mechanisms. Their sense of smell and hearing can be enormous assets to them. Let them sniff as much as possible, as this is how they learn to mind map their environment. Don’t rush them. Try to keep the house furniture in the same positions. Train them by using voice commands i.e. step up, careful and step down, before they go totally blind.
Should you have any questions or concerns please contact us on 03 9545 0103.
What is PRA
PRA is a degenerative, hereditary disease of the retina that affects the vision of many purebred dogs.
Clinical signs of PRA
Dogs with PRA initially show night blindness, lack of confidence in dim lighting and seek out lights. Gradually with time, day vision also becomes affected. As the disease progresses, cataracts form and these can lead to complications like cataract induced uveitis, glaucoma and lens luxation.
Breeds that develop PRA
Golden Retriever, Poodle, Miniature Schnauzer, Labrador Retriever, Australian Cattle Dog, English Cocker Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, Tibetan Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel, Dachshund and Papillon.
Treatment for PRA
There is no actual treatment to reverse the process of the retina degenerating, however, Ocuglo may help some patients to slow the rate of progression.
Treatment of cataracts
Since the retina is degenerating cataract surgery is not usually performed in patients with advanced PRA. Some individuals with early PRA have rapidly developing cataracts whilst still having some reserve retinal function. These patients may benefit from cataract surgery for a period of time.
Cataract induced uveitis or inflammation in the eye must be treated with topical anti-inflammatory drugs. This treatment slows downs the progression of complications associated with the cataract.
Always watch the whites of the eye for redness. This may be the early stages of cataract-induced uveitis.
Genetics
Many forms of PRA are autosomal recessive. This means both parents have passed on a faulty gene to their offspring. Many breeds of dogs can now be tested to see if they carry the gene for PRA. Typically a cheek swab is taken and sent off to a laboratory. Further information can be ascertained the following web site.
Affected dogs should not be bred from and it is important to let your breeder know.
AHT – Animal Health Trust www.aht.org.uk
Animal – Genetics http://www.animalgenetics.us
ASAP Laboratories http://www.asaplab.com.au/DNA.html
Coping with vision loss
When dogs lose vision gradually, they tend to develop amazing coping mechanisms. Their sense of smell and hearing can be enormous assets to them. Let them sniff as much as possible, as this is how they learn to mind map their environment. Don’t rush them. Try to keep the house furniture in the same positions. Train them by using voice commands i.e. step up, careful and step down, before they go totally blind.
Should you have any questions or concerns please contact us on 03 9545 0103.
