Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Puppies
Progressive retinal atrophy (or PRA) is a group of degenerative illnesses that has been found in many dog breeds. This condition may lead to blindness as the puppy grows, although the rate of progression may vary with each dog.
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Identification
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Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is more common in dogs than cats, and may occur in puppies or it may present later in life. There are multiple forms of PRA, which may determine the age in which symptoms occur. PRA worsens gradually over time, and may begin with the puppy having night-blindness. This eventually leads to a deterioration of daytime vision and eventually blindness.
Causes
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Normal photoreceptors in a puppies eyes develop after birth until approximately eight weeks of age. Puppies that have PRA either have arrested development of the photoreceptors in the retinas or an early onset degeneration of the photoreceptors. Retinal dysplasia is a form of PRA and may cause the puppy to be affected within two months after birth. Puppies that suffer from retinal dysplasia may be completely blind by the time they reach one year of age.
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Symptoms
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The symptoms of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in puppies may include a reluctance in entering dark rooms or hallways and night-blindness. In the early stages of PRA, there may be no visible physical symptoms such as redness or tearing of the eye or squinting. As the disease progresses, the puppies owner may notice a dilation of the pupils or a reflection of light from the eye. As blindness progresses, a film may make the eye look cloudy.
Diagnosis
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Progressive retinal atrophy in puppies may be diagnosed by an examination of the puppies' eyes. This may be performed by a veterinary opthamologist, who may also perform diagnostic tests such as a electroretinography. This is a painless test that is well tolerated by most dogs.
Prevention/Solution
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Unfortunately, there is no cure for progressive retinal atrophy in puppies and no way to slow the progression of the illness. Puppies that suffer from this condition will eventually become blind. PRA is an inherited condition, and dogs that have this disease should not be bred to avoid passing it to offspring, as well as the parents and litter mates of affected puppies.
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References
- Photo Credit Sitting Pug image by LOLA from Fotolia.com
