The retina is a thin layer of tissue located at the back of the eyeball. Its purpose is to receive light and turn it into signals the brain can understand. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a condition in which the retina degenerates over time. When this happens, pets can suffer from progressive vision loss.
Causes of Progressive Retinal Atrophy
PRA is usually caused by an autosomal recessive gene. This means that both parents must pass the faulty gene to their offspring in order for them to inherit the disease. Certain breeds of dog are predisposed to PRA. These include Akitas, cocker spaniels, Dachshunds, and poodles. Although PRA is relatively rare in cats, some breeds are more susceptible to the condition. Examples include Abyssinians, Persians, and Bengals.
PRA in cats and dogs can be early or late in onset. The early-onset form of the disease is typically diagnosed in very young animals. By comparison, pets with late-onset PRA usually develop symptoms between the ages of 2-9 years. In cats, PRA has also been linked with taurine deficiency and exposure to certain medications.
Symptoms of Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Please visit your veterinarian immediately if your pet displays any of the following signs or symptoms of PRA.
- Loss of vision (especially at night or in low light)
- Inability to see in bright light
- Cloudy eyes
- Cataracts
- Loss of coordination
- Dilated pupils
- Blindness
Diagnosis of Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Your veterinarian will assess your pet’s medical history and ask you a series of questions about the onset and severity of their symptoms. They will then perform a complete ocular examination to check for clinical signs of PRA.
It may be possible for your veterinarian to diagnose PRA based on the appearance of your pet’s eyes. However, further testing may be needed to reach a definitive diagnosis. Your veterinarian may refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist for specialized tests such as an electroretinogram (ERG). The results of these tests will help rule out other causes of vision loss and confirm a diagnosis of PRA.
Treatment of Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Unfortunately, there is currently no treatment for PRA. For this reason, pets diagnosed with the condition will experience progressive loss of vision. However, PRA is painless, and most cats and dogs adapt well to vision loss and blindness. Your veterinarian will advise you on treatment and supportive care based on your pet’s specific needs.
Prevention of Progressive Retinal Atrophy
PRA is not considered preventable since it is usually an inherited disease. We recommend scheduling regular checkups with your veterinarian to monitor your pet’s overall health.
