PRA stands for progressive retinal atrophy and is an eye disease that can be seen in dogs. The disease is typically inherited from parents, and affects the pet's retina. Dogs that have PRA are genetically programmed to go blind as the years progress. The illness normally progresses in both eyes at the same time but it is not painful. The dog will slowly lose visibility but will not suffer any discomfort as the vision deterioration occurs. PRA occurs in many pure breeds of dogs, and can also occur in mixed breeds in some circumstances. In Siberian Husky dogs and Samoyed dogs, PRA is only prominent in the male canines.

The first clinical sign that can reveal the onset of PRA is when the dog's pupils become permanently dilated. Owners often describe a glow or increased eye shining from the eyes. The dog normally has a night blind spot when these symptoms are evident. A night blind spot refers to the fact that the dog can no longer see or has very low visibility in low-lighted atmospheres. Thankfully, if owners catch PRA in its earliest stages, they may be able to prolong their dog's years of vision. There is no cure or medical treatment for PRA, but oral and nutritional antioxidant supplementation can help slow the deterioration of the retina over time and may allow the dog to see for many years after diagnosis.

If your dog is showing signs of PRA, then you need to take him or her to a veterinarian immediately for diagnosis. A vet may be able to prescribe antioxidant supplements that will help your dog to see for year to come. You may want to hire a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist to look at your animal if you want the utmost care and treatment. Dogs that have PRA should not be bred, because the genetic disease will be passed on to the puppies. If you use your dog for breeding purposes, you will want to notify breeders that your pet has been diagnosed with PRA.

Pets with this condition normally develop cataracts in their eyes as a result. The cataracts are opacities within the lens. Most of the time, dogs with PRA will develop these cataracts in both eyes. As retinal tissue slowly dies as a result of PRA, it will release toxic by-products of cell death that are absorbed by the lens. This can cause lens damage and cataract development. The cataracts can be severe enough to aggravate future vision loss, so you will want to take your canine to the vet if you believe he or she is suffering from this condition.

If your animal has cataracts, you should not opt for cataract surgery. This is because vision cannot be restored through treatment and the cataract surgery would only cause discomfort for these pets. Pets with PRA are generally happy dogs and accept their quality of life easily. The retinal damage does not cause any pain and because the loss of vision is slow and consistent, a pet typically has time to adjust. If you have a pet and are curious about its possible risk for PRA, you can take your animal to the vet and get a DNA blood test done.

A local veterinarian can analyze the samples and let you know if your dog is likely affected with PRA or is a carrier for PRA. These tests are especially helpful for show dogs or breeding dogs. Even if your dog is just a likely carrier of the illness, it is important that you purchase antioxidant supplements to try and combat the presence of PRA. If you want more information about this eye illness talk to a local vet today!