• SYSTEM(S) EFFECTED:
    		•  Eyes
  • CAUSE(S):
    		• Hereditary eye disorder
  • TREATMENT:
    		• None
  • PREVENTION:
    		• No

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Progressive retinal atrophy or PRA is a hereditary blinding disorder involving the retinal tissue.

SOURCE & CAUSE(S)

The cause of PRA is an inherited recessive trait that causes a degeneration of and loss of retinal tissue.  

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

  • Night blindness is usually noticed first
  • Obvious vision problems will be seen with the onset and progression of PRA.

 DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

Diagnosis begins with a complete history and a physical exam.  Your veterinarian will be most likely do the following:

  • Eye exam with opthalmoscope - Your veterinarian will likely perform a complete eye exam using an opthalmoscope with a light and high magnification to examine your pet’s eyes for any abnormalities.
  • Electroretinography-This is normally done under anesthesia, and this test is an electrical measurement of retinal function.  The ERG is test that is recorded as a response to a flash of light. 

TREATMENT&MANAGEMENT

There are no current effective therapies available for the treatment of PRA.

PREVENTION & HELPFUL TIPS

Although there is no medical prevention for this disease, it is widely recommended that obtaining a DNA test to determine if the potential parents are carriers of PRA.






Written by: PetsMD Veterinary Editorial Staff