Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) - hereditary eye disease in dogs

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) - hereditary eye disease in dogs

Important note: Fidello is not a veterinarian. This page is intended to inform you and does not help you reach a diagnosis. If you are unsure about your dog's health, or recognise the signs described below, always contact a veterinarian.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy, usually shortened to PRA, is a hereditary condition in which the light-sensitive cells in a dog's retina gradually die off. Vision therefore deteriorates step by step, which owners often only notice once the dog starts struggling to see in the dark or begins bumping into things.

What is progressive retinal atrophy?

The retina contains light-sensitive cells (rods and cones) that convert light into signals for the brain. In PRA, these cells die off slowly due to an inherited genetic defect. The rods, needed for seeing in low light, are usually affected first, followed by the cones responsible for daytime vision. The process is gradual, typically unfolding over months to several years, and cannot be stopped or reversed.

Which dogs are at risk?

PRA is hereditary, and both the pattern of inheritance and the age at which symptoms appear vary by breed and genetic variant. The condition has been confirmed through hereditary research in a large number of breeds, including the Labrador Retriever, Poodle (in several sizes), Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, Border Collie, Irish Setter, Tibetan Terrier and Samoyed, although PRA also occurs in other breeds and mixed-breed dogs. In some breeds symptoms appear at a young age, in others only in middle or older age. Carrying the hereditary trait does not automatically mean every carrier will develop symptoms; this depends on the inheritance pattern of the specific variant.

Symptoms

An early sign is often night blindness: your dog hesitates in a dimly lit garden, becomes reluctant to go outside in the evening, or bumps into familiar objects in the dark while this does not happen during the day. As the condition progresses, daytime vision also worsens, the pupils may remain wider than normal, and a noticeable shine can become visible in the eyes. In most forms of PRA, this process eventually leads to complete blindness. Note: if your dog's vision instead deteriorates suddenly, within a few days, this points more towards a different, more acute cause than PRA - contact a veterinarian as soon as possible in that case.

When to see a veterinarian

Contact a veterinarian as soon as you suspect your dog is seeing less well, especially if you are unsure about its vision in the dark, notice changes in the appearance of the eyes, or your dog moves more hesitantly in surroundings it normally knows well. Even once PRA has been diagnosed, periodic check-ups are useful to catch secondary eye problems such as cataracts early. If vision loss occurs suddenly and rapidly, an appointment on short notice is advisable, as this can point to a different condition that needs quicker attention.

How is it diagnosed?

A veterinarian or veterinary ophthalmologist examines the retina with an ophthalmoscope (fundoscopy) and may perform an electroretinogram (ERG) to measure the retina's electrical activity. For breeds in which the underlying genetic mutation is known, a DNA test through a recognised laboratory can provide clarity even before a dog shows visible symptoms. This page cannot determine whether your dog has PRA; that requires examination by a veterinarian or veterinary ophthalmologist.

Treatment in outline

At present, there is no treatment that cures PRA or reverses the process. Guidance from a veterinarian or veterinary ophthalmologist mainly focuses on monitoring the progression and treating secondary complications in time, such as cataracts that can develop as a result of PRA. The treatment plan and next steps are always determined by the veterinarian and differ from dog to dog.

What you can do yourself

Dogs gradually losing their vision rely heavily on smell, hearing and a consistent routine. You can help by keeping furniture and obstacles in the same place as much as possible, securing sharp edges and stair openings, and speaking calmly to your dog before touching it so it isn't startled. A harness instead of a collar can provide extra support and guidance during walks. These adjustments do not replace veterinary treatment, but they do contribute to your dog's daily wellbeing and confidence.

Prevention and responsible breeding

For breeds where a DNA test is available, responsible breeders have breeding animals tested for the known PRA variants before use, and pair dogs in a way that limits the risk of affected offspring. As a buyer of a puppy from an at-risk breed, ask for these test results or an official eye screening of the parent animals.

Living with progressive retinal atrophy

Many dogs with PRA adapt surprisingly well to gradual vision loss, partly thanks to their strong sense of smell and hearing, especially in a familiar and stable environment. With a few practical adjustments at home and outdoors, they can often continue to lead an active and comfortable life for years.

Frequently asked questions

Is progressive retinal atrophy painful for my dog?
PRA itself generally causes no pain; it involves a gradual loss of vision, not a painful process.

Will my dog always go completely blind because of it?
In most forms of PRA, vision eventually declines severely to complete blindness, but the pace at which this happens varies by dog and genetic variant.

Can I have my dog tested in advance to see if it's a carrier?
For a number of breeds, a DNA test exists that can show whether a dog carries or will develop the condition; discuss this with your veterinarian.

Can I prevent PRA through diet or supplements?
No, PRA is a hereditary condition; diet or supplements cannot prevent it from occurring.

Conclusion

Progressive retinal atrophy is a hereditary, gradually progressing eye condition that in dogs ultimately often leads to blindness. There is no curative treatment, but with early recognition, practical adjustments at home and responsible breeding in at-risk breeds, dogs with PRA can often still lead a good and comfortable life for a long time.

In closing

In closing: this article does not replace a visit to the veterinarian. Fidello does not provide diagnoses or prescribe treatments. If in doubt, or in case of persistent symptoms or acute signs, a veterinarian is always the right next step.