Buddy inherited one copy of the variant we tested for Progressive Retinal Atrophy, crd4/cord1
This variant should not impact Buddy’s health. This variant is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that a dog needs two copies of the variant to show signs of this condition. Buddy is unlikely to develop this condition due to this variant because he only has one copy of the variant.
This result is also important if you decide to breed this dog - to produce the healthiest puppies we recommend genetic testing any potential mates for this condition.
PRA-CRD4/cord1 is a retinal disease that causes progressive, non-painful vision loss over a 1-2 year period. 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, causing day blindness before night blindness.
The earliest ophthalmic signs are typically present by 6 months of age. There is a wide range in the age of when dogs become clinically affected, although the average age is approximately 5 years. Dogs as young as 6 months may be blind, while dogs as old as 10 may still have vision.
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.