Dominant Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Body function:

Eyes

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Dominant Progressive Retinal Atrophy (dPRA) is a genetic eye disorder affecting English Mastiffs and Bullmastiffs. This condition is caused by a mutation in the RHO gene (Exon 1). It leads to the gradual deterioration of rod and cone cells in the retina, eventually resulting in complete blindness. dPRA is an autosomal dominant trait, meaning only one copy of the mutation is needed for the disorder to manifest.

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List of affected breeds:

Genetic research has linked this gene and condition in the following breeds:

English Mastiff

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What does this mean for a dog with this trait?

Currently, there is no definitive treatment for dPRA. Management strategies may include supplements and antioxidants, but their effectiveness has yet to be scientifically proven. Ensuring a safe environment for a dog with vision loss is crucial. Remove obstacles and avoid sudden changes in your dog's surroundings. Genetic testing can help identify at-risk dogs and guide breeding practices.

Symptoms

Symptoms appear between 2 and 3 years of age, although night blindness can happen as early as 6 weeks. Dogs with dPRA initially appear to have normal vision, but symptoms emerge relatively quickly. These include reluctance to go upstairs, bumping into objects, and delayed response in fetching toys. The disease progresses over time, leading to complete blindness by 3 to 4 years old.

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