Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in dogs is a group of genetically heterogeneous inherited retinal disorders characterized by progressive degeneration and death of photoreceptor cells. PRA in English Mastiffs and Bullmastiffs (AD-PRA) is an autosomal dominant disorder of rhodopsin, the visual pigment of rod photoreceptors. Rod vision can be normal early in life and degeneration slowly spreads. Degeneration of the retina can be identified in puppies at six weeks of age and at first causes night blindness. Night blindness progresses gradually to blindness and at the age of 1 to 2 years, most affected dogs are totally blind.

Inheritance: autosomal dominant - read more

Mutation:  RHO gene

Genetic test: The method used for testing is extremely accurate and allows complete differentiation between affected animals, carriers and healthy dogs. Testing can be done at any age.

Sample: EDTA whole blood (1.0 ml) or buccal swabs. Detailed information about sampling can be found here.