Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration - Progressive Retinal Atrophy

The prcd-PRA test is a DNA-based test that helps you avoid one form of Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). PRA refers to a group of diseases that cause the retina of the eye to degenerate slowly over time. The result is declining vision and eventual blindness. Prcd stands for progressive rod-cone degeneration which is the type of PRA known in several breeds.

The genetic disorder, prcd-PRA , causes cells in the retina at the back of the eye to degenerate and die, even though the cells seem to develop normally early in life. The rod cells operate in low light levels and are the first to lose normal function. Night blindness results. Then the cone cells gradually lose their normal function in full light situations. Most affected dogs will eventually be blind.

The DNA prcd test is done on a small sample of blood from the dog. The test analyzes the specific DNA mutation causing prcd-PRA. The DNA test detects the mutant, abnormal gene copy and the normal gene copy. The result of the test is a genotype and allows separation of dogs into three groups: Normal/Clear (homozygous normal), Carrier (heterozygous) and Affected (homozygous mutant).

Possible results using the DNA prcd test

• Normal - Can be bred to any dog, extremely low risk of producing affecteds
• Carrier - Should be bred only to Normal to remove risk of producing affecteds
• Affected - Should be bred only to Normal to remove risk of producing affecteds

Possible Test Results :

• Clear
• Carrier
• Affected
• Hereditary Clear
• Hereditary Carrier
• Hereditary Affected
• Clear (Linkage Test)
• Carrier (Linkage Test)
• Affected (Linkage Test)

Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration - Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a mandatory test for the following breeds :

• Australian Cattle Dog
• Cocker Spaniel
• Miniature Poodle
• Norwegian Elkhound
• Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Spanish Water Dog
• Toy Poodle

Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration - Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a recommended test for the following breeds :

• American Cocker Spaniel
• Australian Shepherd
• Barbet
• Bolognese
• Chesapeake Bay Retriever
• Chinese Crested Dog
• Entlebucher Mountain Dog
• Finnish Lapphund
• Giant Schnauzer
• Labrador Retriever
• Mastiff

Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration - Progressive Retinal Atrophy is an optional test for the following breeds :

• Beagle
• Standard Poodle