Home » Diseases » In dogs » Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA (Progressive Retinal Degeneration)

Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA (Progressive Retinal Degeneration) in Dogs

Occurrence: very rare
Location of disease: Head/Neck

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 17.02.2026

When to visit the vet?

Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days

If the condition worsens / symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.

Definition

ProgressiveProgressive describes a condition or disease that worsens over time. This term is often used to characterize the course of an illness that causes increasingly severe symptoms or damage. Retinal AtrophyAtrophy is the process of tissue, organ, or muscle reduction or wasting, often resulting from disease, disuse, or malnutrition. (PRA) is a hereditary eye disease in dogs that causes progressiveProgressive describes a condition or disease that worsens over time. This term is often used to characterize the course of an illness that causes increasingly severe symptoms or damage. degeneration of the retinaThe retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that captures visual information and transmits it to the brain via the optic nerve. Retinal diseases can lead to vision loss in dogs and cats., ultimately leading to blindness.

The most important facts at a glance

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a genetic eye disease in dogs where the light-sensitive cells of the retinaThe retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that captures visual information and transmits it to the brain via the optic nerve. Retinal diseases can lead to vision loss in dogs and cats., particularly the photoreceptors (rods and cones), degenerate. This degeneration leads to a progressiveProgressive describes a condition or disease that worsens over time. This term is often used to characterize the course of an illness that causes increasingly severe symptoms or damage. deterioration of vision and can ultimately result in blindness. PRA is caused by various genetic mutations that can be inherited from parents. Certain breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, and Cocker Spaniels are more commonly affected. Symptoms include night blindness, dilated pupils, and impaired vision. DiagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is made through eye examinations, electroretinograms, and genetic tests to identify specific mutations.

There is currently no cure for PRA; however, lifestyle changes and nutritional supplements can improve the quality of life for affected dogs. A safe environment with consistent furniture arrangements can help them better cope with vision loss. Since PRA is incurable, responsible breeding practices are crucial to prevent the spread of the disease. Research focuses on gene therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions., stem cell therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions., and new medications to slow retinal degeneration. Advances in imaging and genetic tests could enable early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of PRA and preservation of vision. Although many approaches are still being researched, there is hope that future advancements could offer new treatment options.

Causes

The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that converts light into nerve impulses sent to the brain. In PRA, the light-sensitive cells of the retinaThe retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that captures visual information and transmits it to the brain via the optic nerve. Retinal diseases can lead to vision loss in dogs and cats., particularly the photoreceptors, which include rods and cones, degenerate. These cells are responsible for vision in low light conditions and color vision. The degeneration leads to a progressiveProgressive describes a condition or disease that worsens over time. This term is often used to characterize the course of an illness that causes increasingly severe symptoms or damage. deterioration of vision.

The causes of PRA are genetic. Various genetic mutations are associated with different forms of PRA, and these mutations can be inherited from one or both parents. The disease can be inherited in an autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked manner, depending on the specific genetic mutationA mutation is a permanent change in the DNA sequence (genetic material) of an organism. In dogs and cats, mutations can lead to genetic diseases or desirable changes in certain traits. and dog breed.

Since PRA is genetic, certain breeds are more commonly affected, including Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, and Yorkshire Terriers. The genetic mutations that lead to PRA affect the normal function of photoreceptors, resulting in their degeneration and loss of vision.

Symptoms

Very common symptoms:

Common symptoms:

Rare symptoms:

Blindness

The earliest symptom of PRA is night blindness. Affected dogs have difficulty orienting themselves in dimly lit or dark environments. This symptom can occur in dogs of different ages, depending on the form of PRA and the breed.

As the disease progresses, dogs show a general deterioration of vision, ultimately leading to complete blindness. Other symptoms may include cloudy or enlarged pupils, and sometimes a reflection or shine may be noticed in the eyes when light falls on them.

Because the loss of vision occurs gradually, many dogs adapt well to their limited vision, which can make it difficult for owners to notice the visual disturbances early on.

Diagnosis

The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of PRA begins with a thorough eye examination by a veterinarian or a specialized veterinary ophthalmologist. An ophthalmoscope is used to assess the condition of the retinaThe retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that captures visual information and transmits it to the brain via the optic nerve. Retinal diseases can lead to vision loss in dogs and cats. and identify signs of degeneration.

An electroretinogram (ERG) can be used to measure the electrical activity of the retinaThe retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that captures visual information and transmits it to the brain via the optic nerve. Retinal diseases can lead to vision loss in dogs and cats. and determine if the photoreceptors are functioning properly. In dogs with PRA, the ERG shows reduced or absent activity of the retinal cells.

Genetic tests are also available to identify specific mutations associated with PRA. These tests are particularly useful for identifying carriers of PRA who show no symptoms but could pass the disease on to their offspring.

Therapy

There is currently no cure for PRA, and treatment options are limited. The focus is on improving the quality of life of the affected dog and helping them adapt to vision loss.

Changes in feeding and living arrangements can help the dog adapt to its new circumstances. A consistent environment with fixed furniture arrangements and safe areas can be helpful. Some owners also use scent markers to guide the dog through its home.

In some cases, nutritional supplements containing antioxidants like vitaminVitamins are organic compounds that are necessary in small amounts for the normal growth, development, and physiological function of the body. Vitamins must mostly be obtained through food, as the body cannot produce them or not in sufficient quantities. E and C can help support retinal health, although this treatment cannot stop the progressionProgression refers to the advancement or worsening of a disease over time. It describes an increase in the severity or extent of the disease symptoms. of the disease.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for dogs with PRA varies depending on the stage of diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and the type of PRA. Since the disease is progressiveProgressive describes a condition or disease that worsens over time. This term is often used to characterize the course of an illness that causes increasingly severe symptoms or damage. and incurable, it ultimately leads to blindness. However, many dogs cope well with their vision loss as long as they live in a safe and supportiveSupportive refers to supportive treatments that aim to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life without directly treating the underlying cause of the disease. environment.

The timing of complete vision loss can vary depending on the breed and individual predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases.. Some dogs may go blind within a few months, while others may take years.

Prevention

The most important measure for the preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. of PRA is responsible breeding practices. Dogs that are carriers or affected individuals should not be used for breeding. Genetic tests can help breeders identify carriers and reduce the spread of the disease.

Owners should inquire about the parents when choosing a puppy and ensure that they have been genetically tested to rule out the risk of PRA.

For dogs already affected, it is important to have regular veterinary check-ups to monitor the progress of the disease and ensure the best possible quality of life.

Outlook on current research

Research into progressiveProgressive describes a condition or disease that worsens over time. This term is often used to characterize the course of an illness that causes increasingly severe symptoms or damage. retinal atrophyAtrophy is the process of tissue, organ, or muscle reduction or wasting, often resulting from disease, disuse, or malnutrition. (PRA) in dogs is a dynamic field that continuously provides new insights. PRA is a genetic eye disease that occurs in many dog breeds and leads to a progressiveProgressive describes a condition or disease that worsens over time. This term is often used to characterize the course of an illness that causes increasingly severe symptoms or damage. deterioration of the retinaThe retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that captures visual information and transmits it to the brain via the optic nerve. Retinal diseases can lead to vision loss in dogs and cats.. This can ultimately lead to complete blindness. A key focus of research is on identifying gene mutations responsible for PRA. By discovering specific genetic markers, breeders can be better informed to minimize the risk of transmitting this disease.

Another area of research focuses on the development of gene therapies. These therapies aim to repair or replace the defective genes that cause PRA. There are already some promising studies showing that gene therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. could slow or even stop the progressionProgression refers to the advancement or worsening of a disease over time. It describes an increase in the severity or extent of the disease symptoms. of the disease. However, such approaches are still being tested and are not yet generally available. Nevertheless, research in this area is very active and could soon offer new treatment options.

In addition to gene therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions., stem cell therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. is also being investigated as a potential treatment method. Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into various cell types, and it is hoped that they can contribute to the regeneration of the damaged retinaThe retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that captures visual information and transmits it to the brain via the optic nerve. Retinal diseases can lead to vision loss in dogs and cats.. This research is still in an early stage but shows potential, especially in combination with other therapies.

Another exciting area is the research into medications that can slow the progressionProgression refers to the advancement or worsening of a disease over time. It describes an increase in the severity or extent of the disease symptoms. of PRA. These medications could delay retinal degeneration and help affected dogs see longer. However, there are currently no specific medications approved for PRA, and many of the potential treatments are still in the experimental phase.

Research into the early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of PRA is also of great importance. Advances in imaging technology and genetic tests could make it possible to diagnose PRA at a very early stage, before clinical symptoms appear. This could be crucial for both preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. and treatment, as early intervention offers the best chances of preserving vision.

In summary, research into PRA in dogs is a highly active and interdisciplinary field. From geneticsGenetics is the science of genes, heredity, and the variation of organisms. It studies how genetic information is passed from generation to generation and how it influences the development, appearance, and behavior of living things. to cell therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. to new medications, many approaches are being explored to combat this devastating disease. Although much of this research is still in its early stages, there is justified hope that future advances could offer new, effective treatment options to significantly improve the lives of dogs with PRA.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)?

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a genetic eye disease that leads to a progressive deterioration of the retina in dogs. It often affects both eyes and can eventually lead to complete blindness. -

Which dog breeds are most commonly affected by PRA?

PRA can affect many dog breeds, but some of the most commonly affected breeds are the Labrador Retriever, Poodle, Cocker Spaniel, and Yorkshire Terrier. However, the disease can occur in almost any breed. -

How is PRA diagnosed?

PRA is usually diagnosed through a comprehensive ophthalmic examination. This may include electroretinography (ERG), which measures the electrical activity of the retina. Genetic tests are also available to check for genetic predisposition to PRA. -

Can dogs with PRA be treated?

There is currently no cure for PRA, but supportive treatments can help improve the quality of life of the affected dog. These include nutritional supplements and environmental adjustments to facilitate orientation. However, research into gene therapies and other approaches offers hope for future treatment options. -

Is PRA painful for dogs?

PRA itself is not painful, but the loss of vision can be confusing and frightening for affected dogs. A supportive environment and patient care can help reduce stress. -

Can PRA be prevented in dogs?

Since PRA is genetic, prevention primarily lies in responsible breeding. Through genetic tests, breeders can identify potential carriers and avoid pairing two carriers to minimize the risk of transmitting the disease. -

What are the first signs of PRA in dogs?

The first signs of PRA are usually night blindness or difficulty seeing in low light. As the disease progresses, dogs may also develop visual disturbances in daylight and eventually become completely blind. -

How can I help my dog cope with PRA?

You can help your dog by adapting its environment to avoid accidents and providing orientation through verbal and tactile cues. It is also helpful to maintain routines and not rearrange furniture so that the dog can feel safe. -

Are all forms of PRA the same?

There are different forms of PRA that can differ in their genetic origin and the course of the disease. Some forms lead to blindness faster than others. The specific form of PRA can often be identified by genetic testing. -

Are there alternative treatments for PRA?

While there are no alternative treatments that can cure PRA, some owners report positive results with supplements or diets that are intended to support eye function. However, these should always be used in consultation with a veterinarian.