Hi, My labrador has been having some eye issues - vet suspects pra but we aren't sure yet - and I decided to look into his family health screening records. A lot of his family were tested for PRA or general eye tests and were either CLEAR or UNAFFECTED. However some weren't tested at all (or weren't KC registered) or were only tested for hip and elbows. I found that his great grand father was a carrier for PRA and that the dog he bred with was not health tested, as were some other dogs on his mothers side. I'm a little worried and was wondering if he could have PRA due to this , his mother was given a general eye test but not specifically PRA, and his father is PRA clear (he was tested in 2012 - 3 years before Lucius was even born). Any ideas would help!
PRA has a DNA genetic test so has one of three possible results, clear, carrier or affected. Some dogs are regarded as clear by hereditary as there has been no PRA in their lines but the only sure way is by DNA test. A dog can be a carrier of PRA but can still be mated as long as the other dog is clear. A general eye test is not the same as the DNA test. If you are concerned have the DNA test done - it's not usually that expensive and will give you peace of mind on PRA
Yes, I think that what we will do, a lot of his heritage didnt have the dna test so we arent sure. thanks for the help!
If his Sire was tested and found "Clear" then your boy can be either a carrier or clear. He will not be "affected" unless there is something funny going on. To be affected by PRA - two copies of the defective gene must be passed on to him - one from Dam and one from Sire. IF his Dam is a carrier (untested), and Sire is clear, then the most he would have is 1 defective copy from his Dam. Therefore, if you DNA test your boy and he is "affected", then either another Sire was responsible for his birth or the Sire's DNA test was incorrect AND Dam was a carrier or affected as well.
Yeah, we took him to a specialist and he hasnt had a DNA test but is diagnosed as night blind and the vet is 80% sure it's PRA but will know more in November when we go back for a check-up and see if his retina are ok.
You could DNA test him...here, the cost with Gensol is only about $45.00. Then you would know if it is PRA.
