Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration DNA Test (PRA-prcd)

How do I Know if my Dog Carries the Mutation for PRA-prcd?

Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd) is inherited as an autosomal recessive disease. Degeneration of both rod and cone photoreceptor cells of the retina of PRA-prcd affected dogs usually occurs 3 to 5 years of age or later. Affected dogs initially experience night blindness and loss of peripheral vision. As the disease progresses, complete blindness occurs over time. Different breeds and individual dogs may experience variation in the age and rate of the disease progression.

This mutation affects several breeds like the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Chihuahua, Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Poodle and Yorkshire Terrier, and more.

Our DNA test for PRA-prcd in dogs (PRCD c.5G>A) gives breeders an accurate, convenient, and affordable tool to help them avoid producing PRA-prcd-affected offspring and significantly reduce the gene frequency in future generations.

DNA results are emailed within 5 business days, once all samples are received at the laboratory.

Not sure if you need this test? Type your breed into the box above or contact us for a free consultation.

Your PRA-prcd DNA-test kit includes:

• Sterile DNA-collection swabs
• Complete instructions

Postage-paid return envelope (if mailed in the U.S.)

Understanding Results

There are 3 possible genotypes reported for PRA-prcd

• CLEAR: those having 2 copies of the normal allele and appear to be normal
• CARRIER: those having 1 copy of the normal allele and 1 copy of the mutation but appear to be normal
• AFFECTED: those having 2 copies of the mutation will develop blindness over time

Although carriers do not show clinical signs of the disease, it is important to note—if used for breeding—carriers are likely to pass on the mutation 50% of the time. Therefore a carrier (x) carrier mating is likely to result in producing affected pups in about 25% of the offspring.

Results are based upon the specific prcd c.5G>A mutation. There are multiple types of PRA caused by other gene mutations. Clear results for PRA-prcd only pertain to the prcd c.5G>A mutation tested. It will not detect if a dog has any other form of Progressive Retinal Atrophy.