Your EXPERT for animal genetics

Contact Info

Progressive retinal atrophy (rcd3-PRA)

General description

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.

Breeds

Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Chinese Crested Dog, Pomeranian, Welsh Corgi (Cardigan/Pembroke)

Order details
Test number8354
Abbreviationrcd3-PRA
Sample material0.5 ml EDTA blood, 2x cheek swab, 1x special swab (eNAT)
Test duration7-14 working days
Test specifications
Symptom complexophthalmic
Inheritanceautosomal recessive
Age of onset6-16 weeks
Causalitycausally
GenePDE6A
MutationDEL
LiteratureOMIA:001314-9615
Detailed description

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.