Progressive retinal atrophy associated SNP (crd3-PRA) - Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier

General description

In the breed Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier, a genetic eye condition called cone-rod dystrophy (crd3) can be found. The retinal function of very young affected dogs is still normal. But at the age of 12-24 months, the cone and later also the rod photoreceptor cells begin to degenerate. Difficulties avoiding obstacles in dimlight are typical first signs of this disease. The degeneration of the photoreceptors progresses and results in complete blindness after several years. At ophthalmoscopic examinations, this type of PRA often not becomes evident until the age of 3-5 years.

The variant tested here, located in the ADAM18 gene, is associated with the disease. The causal variant is located in the ADAM9 gene and can also be analyzed with a genetic test.