Progressive Retinal Atrophy comes in two forms. rcd2-PRA, is a dysplasia of the rods and cones in the eye which leads to early onset night blindness. It is already apparent when puppies are 6 weeks of age. It leads to complete blindness by 1 year of age. It is not present in UK dogs, but when importing from other countries (especially the US), the dog should be tested for PRA to ensure it is not introduced. The form of PRA that could be found in UK dogs is thought to have been eliminated with advances in diet and nutrition.

GENETIC TEST
rcd2-PRA is an autosomal recessive disease which means a dog requires two copies of the mutation for the disease to occur. A genetic test is available to determine carrier status.

FURTHER READING

Collie Health Foundation - Test your Collie 'PRA-rcd2'
Animal Labs - PRA-rcd2 (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) - more detailed information on causation and development