Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Project overview
Participants
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Short summary
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a collective term for several hereditary retinal diseases that occur in various dog breeds and result in blindness.
The disease, or rather diseases, can be caused either by a congenital defect where the cone cells have developed abnormally during embryonic development, or by degeneration of the cone cells in adult dogs.
Today, the genetics behind some forms of PRA are known, and it is also possible to perform genetic tests to determine whether a dog is a carrier of the disease gene. However, for many variants of PRA, the genetic cause is unknown. To increase knowledge about PRA, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is conducting several research projects on PRA.
In order to conduct this research, we are dependent on blood samples. We therefore ask all dog owners whose dogs have been diagnosed with PRA to contribute to the research by submitting a blood sample to SLU's biobank free of charge.
Participation
If you have a dog that has been diagnosed with PRA, we would be grateful to receive a blood sample from your dog! All breeds are welcome.