PRA - Progressive Retinal Atrophy

What it is:  http://www.showdogs.co.za/articles/pra_dachshunds.html

New DNA test   http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/PRA/testPRA.htm    and     http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/DNAtests/TESTSnow.htm available through the University of Missouri-Columbia College of Veterinary Medice http://www.cvm.missouri.edu/.

What does it mean if I am an AFFECTED puppy.   I will contract the disease. 

Will I go blind?  I may or may not have symptoms but it is likely that I will.  Retinal Atrophy = degenerating vision.  Progressive = it worsens over time.  I could live to be 15 years old and only have slightly worsened vision in my old age or I could go totally blind at 2-3 years.  Normally it is late onset 6-10 years.

What if I do go totally blind?  Dogs are not like people.  The adapt.  They do not know they are handicapped.  A dog with 3 legs will jump right into the middle of a dog fight and expect no mercy.  A blind dog learns his/her environment.  If you don't move the furniture and don't change houses I will maneuver quite well.   If you have other dogs in the house I will follow them around.

While dogs are very good to adapt, it is our pledge to do our best to eradicate the need.