PRA – Progressive Retinal Atrophy

PRA has multiple variants which effect different breeds. Research to date shows that Cocker Spaniels are effected by the prcd variant, it is commonly abbreviated as PRCD or prcd-PRA.

Progressive rod-cone degeneration (PRCD) is an inherited form of late-onset progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) an inherited eye disease affecting English Cocker Spaniels. PRCD affects the photoreceptor cells in the eye involved in both night and day vision

The age of onset varies between individual Cocker Spaniels with PRCD. Evidence of retinal disease can first be seen on an Electroretinogram in dogs older than 2.5 years of age, but most affected dogs will not show signs of vision loss until 8 to 12 years of age or later.

PRA has several different forms, but progressive rod cone degeneration (PRCD) is the most widespread, and occurs in many other breeds.

In most forms of PRA, Symptoms often start with vision problems in dim light (night blindness) and loss of peripheral vision. The dog first becomes uncertain and fearful in the dark. This is due to the atrophy of retinal rod cells, which are important for night vision. Over time affected dogs continue to lose night vision and begin to show visual deficits in bright light. The dog becomes completely blind as the retinal cone cells atrophy. The pupil is wide and the increased reflection of the fundus can be seen especially clearly when the light is focused on the enlarged pupil.

Although there can be individual variation in the age of onset and the rate of disease progression, the disease eventually progresses to complete blindness in most dogs. There are other eye disorders that can appear clinically similar to PRCD. Genetic testing will confirm this.

There is no treatment for PRA or PRCD at this time. So its important that you purchase your cocker spaniel puppy from a reputable breeder undertaking DNA health testing.

DNA Testing is not done at your local vets.