The DNA test for early onset progressive retinal atrophy (EOPRA) can be used by breeders and owners to screen their dogs for the gene variant linked to this health condition.
What is early onset progressive retinal atrophy?
PRA (progressive retinal atrophy) is a condition that causes the parts of the eye that are sensitive to light to break down. PRA produces a gradual loss of vision in both eyes, eventually leading to total blindness. There are a number of different versions of PRA, but most of them tend to affect older dogs. Early onset PRA affects younger dogs, usually around the age of two to three years old.
A number of breeds are affected by PRA, and, although the clinical effects are usually similar, the disease can be caused by a number of different genetic mutations. This test examines one of the mutations causing EOPRA in Portuguese Water Dog. Sadly there is no cure for PRA.
Find out more about PRA.
Symptoms of EOPRA
What causes early onset progressive retinal atrophy?
Early onset progressive retinal atrophy is an inherited condition, which means that some dogs may be more at risk of a health issue because of the genes they inherited from their parents. This particular disease is described as an autosomal-recessive condition. This means that a dog must inherit two copies of an abnormal gene (one from their mother and one from their father) before their health is affected. A dog that inherits only one copy of the abnormal gene (from its mother or its father) is unlikely to have any signs of the disease, but will be a carrier and may pass the gene on to any offspring.
Which laboratories do we record and publish the results from?
To find out which laboratories The Kennel Club is able to record results from, and which laboratories will send results directly to The Kennel Club, please refer to our website.
Please be aware, The Kennel Club has a set of criteria that we request DNA testing laboratories to meet to enable us to record their results, helping to maintain and protect the integrity of results that appear on a dog’s record. We strongly advise that customers ensure their chosen laboratory is included on our list if they wish The Kennel Club to record and publish the results. Results from laboratories not included on this list will not be recorded.
Breeding advice and what your dog's results mean
If, once your dog is DNA tested, you would like to find out what their DNA test results mean, or how to select the right mate to avoid producing affected puppies, then please read our breeding advice and DNA testing information.
How to find out if a potential mate has been DNA tested
The health test results finder allows you to find the results of DNA tests carried out as part of our official DNA testing schemes for any dog on The Kennel Club’s Breed Register.