Katie Bug inherited both copies of the variant we tested for Progressive Retinal Atrophy, crd2
Katie Bug is at increased risk for PRA-crd2
Katie Bug has two copies of a mutated allele at the NPHP4 gene and is at high risk for developing Cone Rod Dystrophy PRA. Please consult with your veterinarian to develop a diagnostic and monitoring plan for Katie Bug.
PRA- crd2 is a retinal disease that causes progressive, non-painful vision loss. The retina contains cells, called photoreceptors, that collect information about light and send signals to the brain. There are two types of photoreceptors: rods, for night vision and movement, and cones, for day vision and color. This type of PRA leads to early loss of cone cells, leading to day blindness before night blindness.
An ophthalmologist can first see signs of this disease by 6 months of age, with complete blindness typically occurring by 2 years.
PRA is a subtle disease and dogs adapt very well to the slow loss of vision. You may notice that your dog is reluctant to go down the stairs, bumps into door frames or corners, or takes a longer time to fetch a toy.
Veterinarians use a focused light to examine the pupils. In affected dogs, the pupils will appear more dilated and slower to contract. Your vet may also use a lens to visualize the retina at the back of the eye to look for changes in the optic nerve or blood vessels. You may be referred to a veterinary ophthalmologist for a definitive diagnosis.
Currently, there is no definitive treatment for PRA. Supplements, including antioxidants, have been proposed for management of the disease, but have not been scientifically proven effective.
- Careful monitoring by your veterinarian will be required for the rest of your affected dog's life as secondary complications, including cataracts, can develop.
- With blind dogs, keeping furniture in the same location, making sure they are on a leash in unfamiliar territory, and training them to understand verbal commands are some of the ways to help them at home.