🐶 Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) in Dogs: Vet-Certified Vision Loss Guide for 2025 👁️

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc 🐾🩺

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a group of inherited disorders that cause vision loss in dogs over time. While there's no cure, there's plenty you can do to help your dog adapt and live happily. In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about PRA—from symptoms and breed risks to diagnosis, home care, and how to support a blind dog with confidence and compassion. 🐕‍🦺💡

🔍 What Is Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)?

PRA refers to a group of genetic disorders that cause degeneration of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Much like film in a camera, the retina contains photoreceptor cells that convert light into electrical signals sent to the brain. With PRA, these photoreceptors die off over time, leading to gradual and irreversible blindness. 😢👁️

There is currently no treatment and no cure for PRA. However, the condition is not painful, and many dogs adapt beautifully to vision loss with the right support. 💪🐾

📉 How PRA Progresses

Vision loss from PRA occurs in two main phases:

1. 🌙 Night blindness (nyctalopia) is the first noticeable sign. Dogs may become reluctant to go outside after dark or hesitate in dim rooms.
2. ☀️ Daytime vision eventually fades, progressing over months to years until the dog is completely blind.

Other signs may include:

• 👀 Dilated pupils that do not respond well to light
• ✨ A visible tapetal reflection (glowing eye effect) in dim light
• 🚫 Hesitation or clumsiness on stairs or uneven surfaces

Dogs often compensate with their other senses—smell and hearing—making early signs subtle and sometimes missed entirely until near-total blindness sets in. 🐶🧠

🧬 Types of PRA: Dysplasia vs. Degeneration

There are two primary forms of PRA based on how photoreceptors are affected:

1. 📉 Photoreceptor Degeneration (Most Common)

• 🧪 Photoreceptors develop normally, then degenerate later in life
• 🐾 Onset varies by breed, typically between 1–9 years old
• 📉 Gradual loss of function over months or years

2. ⚠️ Photoreceptor Dysplasia

• 🧬 Genetic abnormality prevents normal development of photoreceptors
• 👶 Vision problems evident by 12 weeks of age in some puppies
• 🕳️ Blindness occurs by 1–2 years of age

🐩 Breeds Commonly Affected by PRA

PRA is largely an inherited disorder, most commonly seen in purebred dogs. Some breeds are predisposed to specific forms:

🧬 Breeds Prone to Degenerative PRA:

• 🐩 Miniature Poodles
• 🐶 American & English Cocker Spaniels
• 🐕 Labrador Retrievers
• 🐕‍🦺 Samoyeds
• 🐾 Tibetan Terriers & Spaniels
• 🦮 Papillons
• 🐾 Dachshunds (wirehaired & longhaired)

🧬 Breeds Prone to Dysplastic PRA:

• 🐺 Norwegian Elkhounds
• 🐕 Irish Setters
• 🐶 Collies
• 🐾 Cardigan Welsh Corgis
• 🐩 Miniature Schnauzers

Mixed breeds can also develop PRA if inherited genes are present.

🧪 Diagnosing PRA

Diagnosis typically involves an eye exam by a veterinarian or veterinary ophthalmologist. This includes:

• 🔍 Fundus evaluation using specialized lenses
• ⚡ Electroretinography (ERG) to measure retinal electrical activity
• 🧬 DNA testing for at-risk breeds (available through labs like Optigen)

DNA testing is vital for breeding prevention. Only dogs clear of PRA genes should be bred to avoid passing the condition on. 🧬🚫

🚫 PRA and Cataracts

Some dogs with PRA may also develop secondary cataracts, which are not the primary cause of blindness but may speed up vision loss. Unfortunately, surgical removal of these cataracts is not recommended due to the degenerative nature of the retina. ❌🔍

🏠 Living with a Blind Dog

Thankfully, dogs are incredibly adaptable. With smell and hearing as their strongest senses, vision is actually third in line. Most dogs adjust well to blindness—especially when the change is gradual. 🐕❤️

Tips for a Safe & Happy Home Life:

• 🏡 Keep furniture in place to prevent disorientation
• 🧸 Teach kids not to leave toys or clothes in walkways
• 🚪 Use baby gates to block stairways
• 🍲 Keep food and water bowls in the same place
• 🐕 Consider training cues like “wait,” “curb,” “stop,” or “stairs”

Daily Life & Enrichment:

• 🗣️ Use your voice! Talk to your dog often
• 👃 Let them sniff—this is their #1 sense
• 👣 Slap your leg or wear a bell on your shoe for directional guidance
• 🐶 Use scent markers on furniture legs or room entrances
• 🦴 Engage in puzzle toys or treat-dispensing games using scent

🐕‍🦺 Sighted Companions Can Help:

Many blind dogs bond with sighted siblings and learn to follow them. This natural "seeing-eye dog" setup works well in multi-dog households. 🐾❤️🐾

💬 Emotional Support for Owners

It’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed when you learn your dog is going blind. But remember: dogs live in the moment. They don’t dwell on the loss of vision like we do. With your love and support, they will continue to enjoy a rich, fulfilling life. 🐶💞

Keep walks fun, stick to routines, and offer lots of verbal encouragement. You’ll both adjust beautifully. 🌟🐾

📲 Need Help Navigating PRA? Ask A Vet Anytime!

Managing a dog with PRA can raise lots of questions—and that’s where the Ask A Vet app comes in handy!

• 📞 Talk to licensed vets anytime, 24/7
• 📸 Share photos or videos of your dog’s eyes or behavior
• 📲 Get personalized advice tailored to your dog’s breed and age

Download the Ask A Vet app or visit AskAVet.com today. Because when it comes to PRA, knowledge is power—and peace of mind. 💡🐶