Why test your dog for PRA-prcd?

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a group of eye disorders that affect dogs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd) is a form of PRA characterised by the gradual degeneration and loss of function of a dog’s retina. As the retina deteriorates, the affected dog eventually becomes blind.

Many dogs do not show any signs of PRA-prcd or vision problems until they are around 3-5 years old. Among older dogs, the disease almost always results in complete blindness.

An affected dog’s rod cells begin to deteriorate first, causing them to fail to function in low-light or nighttime, leading to night-blindness. What deteriorates next is the dog’s cone cells, which normally function in bright light or daytime. When this happens, complete blindness occurs.

Right now, PRA-prcd remains to be untreatable and affected dogs often become completely blind. However, it is important to know that preparation and early intervention is still important in order to make life as comfortable as possible for the animal. By getting an early diagnosis of the disease, owners can make necessary adjustments to the home such as removing clutter and making the dog’s lifestyle as stress-free as possible to prevent anxiety.

What are the symptoms of PRA-prcd?

Most dogs do not show any signs of vision loss until later in life. If you suspect that your dog has PRA-prcd, here are the symptoms to watch out for:

 

  • Frequent bumping or tripping over objects
  • Fear or reluctance of going to a dark place
  • Lack of interest in exploring or navigating places
  • Discoloration (sometimes greenish) on the eye
  • Cloudy eye
  • Cataracts

 

What dogs are tested for PRA-prcd?

Any dog breed can be affected by PRA-prcd, even dogs with mixed breeds. The EasyDNA PRA-prcd DNA Test can be carried out on the following dog breeds:

 

  • American Eskimo Dog
  • Aussiedoodle
  • Australian Cattle Dog
  • Australian Cobber Dog
  • Australian Labradoodle
  • Australian Shepherd
  • Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
  • Bernedoodle
  • Boykin Spaniel
  • Chesapeake Bay Retriever
  • Chinese Crested Dog
  • Cockapoo
  • Cocker Spaniel
  • Dachshund – For the specific “Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Cone-Rod Dystrophy 4/cord1″ test , which has a cost of £65, please click here for further information.
  • English Cocker Spaniel
  • Giant Schnauzer
  • Golden Retriever
  • Goldendoodle
  • Karelian bear Dog
  • Labradoodle
  • Labrador Retriever
  • Miniature Australian Shepherd
  • Miniature Poodle
  • Norwegian Elkhound
  • Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
  • Poodle
  • Portuguese Water Dog
  • Pyrenean Shepherd
  • Schipperke
  • Silky Terrier
  • Standard Poodle
  • Yorkipoo
  • Yorkshire Terrier

 

We can carry out the test on mixed breed dogs as long as one or more of its breeds is in the list.

Cost of the Dog PRA-prcd test

The Dog PRA-prcd test is being offered at only £55 for a sample of one dog. There is an option to order more tests for an additional cost.

How the Dog PRA-prcd test is carried out

The results of our Dog PRA-prcd Test are based on the specific mutation (c.5G>A) responsible for this type of PRA. If your dog happens to have another form of Progressive Retinal Atrophy, this test will not detect it.

For a dog to be affected by PRA-prcd, it needs to have inherited two copies of the mutated gene. If your dog carries one copy of the mutation, they may not show any symptoms but can pass on the mutation to its offspring.

The process of our Dog PRA-prcd test is simple and straightforward. Upon ordering your test, we will send you a sample collection kit that allows you to collect your dog’s cheek swab samples. The kit comes with complete instructions to guide you through the process. Using our kit, there is no need to draw blood or go to the veterinarian for sample collection.

Once you are able to collect your dog’s DNA sample, put the swabs back in the collection envelope provided. Use this envelope to send the samples back to our laboratory for testing.

Your test results

After our laboratory receives your dog’s sample, you can expect to receive your test results via email in 7 working days from receipt of samples at the laboratory. You will receive one of three possible outcomes:

 

  1. CLEAR result: Your dog has inherited 2 good genes that are free from defects or mutations.
  2. CARRIER result: Your dog has inherited 1 normal copy of the gene and 1 mutated copy. This means that the animal is not likely to develop the condition but will highly likely pass on the mutation to its offspring.
  3. AT RISK result: Your dog has inherited 2 copies of the mutated gene and is highly likely to develop PRA-prcd. The animal will also pass on the mutation to its offspring.

 

EasyDNA uses the latest in DNA testing technology, assuring you that the results of your PRA-prcd test are highly accurate and reliable. If you need more information regarding this test, please contact our Customer Service.

Other Dog Disease Genetic Tests from EasyDNA

At EasyDNA we offer a range inherited disease screening tests such as PRA-prcd including the following:

 

 

We also offer a comprehensive genetic screening test covering 175+ diseases and traits through our DogCheck Genetic Screening Test. This is one of the most comprehensive tests on the market ideal to manage the health of your dog and for breeders.

Other Dog DNA Tests from EasyDNA

We also offer a wide range of other types of dog DNA tests looking at different personal aspects of your dog such as the Premium Dog Testing Package, an all-in-one testing package that includes our Dog Allergy Test, Dog Breed Test, and Dog Genetic Age Test.

Find out more about your dog and start your journey to a healthier pet!

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