PROGRESSIVE RETINOL ATROPHY

PRA affects the retina, which is the 'picture screen' at the back of the eye. PRA causes the blood vessels of the retina to atrophy and die. When the retina dies, the 'picture screen' no longer functions and the dog becomes blind. This condition is irreversible, and there is no cure.

PRA has been found in several different breeds of dogs, and although some breeds vary in the age of onset, they share the same clinical abnormalities and signs (night blindness, progressive loss of day vision, and total blindness). The typical age of onset for PRA has not been established for the Basenji. It has shown up as early as age 3 and as late as age 6. Testing is done by examination by a veterinarian opthalmologist. A dog testing clear of PRA at age 5 or 6 may still develop the disease later on. Opthalmoscope examinations should be repeated annually. Mode of inheritance is through a simple recessive gene (see HA section), however, a carrier will be normal eyed.