Progressive Retinal Atrophy
To better understand progressive retinal atrophy, one must have a basic understanding of the function of the retina. The retina is a highly specialized tissue that lines the back of the eye. The retina is analogous to film in a camera; it is responsible for integrating light into vision. Without adequate retinal function, vision is not possible. Simplified, the eye can be thought of as a light-collecting organ that focuses light rays on the retina. As light strikes the retina, a sequence of chemical reactions are initiated, propagating an electrical impulse. The impulse passes through the layers of the retina to the optic nerve and finally to the brain (visual cortex) for interpretation. The brain’s interpretation of the light signal is responsible for what we know as vision.
The retinal cells, which transform light energy to chemical energy, are known as rods and cones. Rods are responsible for black and white vision, night vision and vision for movements, whereas cone cells are used for color discrimination, vision in bright light and acute focal vision. Most domestic animals (dogs, cats, etc.) have a dominance of rods. Color vision in dogs is poor compared to people.
As the name progressive retinal atrophy (or PRA) implies, an atrophy or a degeneration of retinal tissue occurs. Progression of this disease occurs slowly and the early signs may be overlooked in many animals. The slow loss of sight is similar to a dimming switch to reduce brightness of light in a room. If light is slowly reduced over a long period of time, our eyes adapt and the change is not noticed until darkness occurs. A similar situation occurs in progressive retinal atrophy in animals; often the condition is not noticed until the condition is significantly progressed. Unfortunately, there is no cure available for progressive retinal atrophy. Identification of affected breeding animals is essential to prevent the spread of the condition within the breed.
Clinical Signs of PRA
The early signs of retinal atrophy include night blindness in most cases, which will frequently progress to day blindness. Night blindness may be manifested in a number of ways, including a pet that is hesitant or afraid to go out in the dark or go into a dark room. Often these pets will get lost in their own home after the lights have been turned off or they may stay near the light in the backyard at night versus wandering the full extent of the yard as they did previously. Pupils may be dilated and/or have a slow response to light. Some pet owners will notice a characteristic eyeshine. This is due to increased reflectivity of an iridescent tissue known as the tapetum located underneath the retina. As previously mentioned, retinal abnormalities may not be noticed at home until later in the course of the disease. Other well-developed senses including olfaction (the sense of smell) and hearing help animals adapt to the slow loss of sight. Often sight loss is not noticed until a change of the pets’ normal environment occurs. Examples of environmental changes include furniture rearrangement in the home; an animal that is restricted to a different area of your house or is boarded while you are away on vacation, etc. Because PRA can be difficult to identify, routine ophthalmic examination of all pets is recommended. This is especially important in animals that are being considered for breeding.
When the ophthalmologist views the retina with an instrument called an indirect ophthalmoscope, changes can be seen in the retinal blood vessel pattern, the optic nerve and the tapetum (the reflective portion of the eye that is responsible for “eyeshine”). However, some breeds characteristically have little or no early visible changes and may appear normal until the later stages of the disease. Some affected dogs show various rates of progression making generalization difficult.
Cataracts may form secondarily to progressive retinal atrophy in some animals and are generally associated with the later stages of the disease process. Formation of cataracts may interfere with direct visualization of the retina and make other diagnostic modalities essential. Although cataracts are surgically treatable, removal of cataracts in an animal with progressive retinal atrophy is not indicated, as their diseased retina will still result in visual deficits. Cataracts can leak protein within the eye causing inflammation within the eye. Uncontrolled or chronic inflammation can lead to glaucoma (increased intraocular pressure), a painful and blinding disease. Therefore, the retina (and cataracts) should be monitored as they may require topical medications to prevent inflammation or glaucoma.
Electroretinography
Definitive diagnosis of PRA is supported by electroretinography. An electroretinogram “(ERG)” is similar to an electrocardiogram (ECG) for the heart in that they both measure normal electrical impulses produced by the organ of interest. A special contact lens is placed on the cornea and two tiny needles (electrodes) are placed under the skin around the eye. After a period of dark adaptation, flashing lights are used to stimulate the retina. The electrical response of the retina is recorded by the electrodes, which send a signal to a computer. A healthy retina will produce a characteristic wave pattern on the electroretinograph recording. This instrument is sensitive enough to diagnose affected dogs before they begin to demonstrate clinical signs.
Any diagnostic procedure can introduce complications, including anesthetic risks (in the few patients that require anesthesia for diagnostic procedures). In order to obtain accurate ERG recordings, the veterinary ophthalmologist may recommend sedation or anesthesia. Complications from ERG are very rare, and include, but are not limited to, inflammation of the pink tissue (conjunctivitis); ocular infections that may affect internal and/or external areas of the eye (intraocular/ extraocular infections) and corneal ulcerations (superficial to deep). If any abnormalities are noticed in your dog’s eyes following an ERG please notify us immediately so that the condition does not worsen.
Genetic Testing
Since PRA is an inherited genetic disease, it is possible to identify and test for the defective gene. This test has been developed in some breeds affected by PRA. The test requires a blood sample, which is sent to a diagnostic lab for analysis. The blood test can identify dogs that are affected, as well as normal dogs that may pass the defective gene to offspring. Information on genetic testing can be found at www.optigen.com. A partial list of breeds affected with progressive retinal atrophy follows:
Breed Type of Retinal Disease Age of Onset
- Collie: rod-cone dysplasia under a year
•Irish Setter: rod-cone dysplasia under a year
•Cairn Terrier: rod-cone dysplasia under a year
•Miniature Long-Haired Dachshund: rod-cone dysplasia under a year - Norwegian Elkhound: rod dysplasia, cone 2 to 3 years
•Samoyed: rod-cone degeneration 3 years
•Cocker Spaniel: rod-cone degeneration 2 to 7 years
•Miniature Poodle: rod-cone degeneration 3 to 6 years
•Miniature Schnauzer: rod-cone degeneration 3 to 6 years
•Akita: rod-cone degeneration 3 to 6 years
•Schnauzer: rod-cone degeneration > 3 years
•Golden Retriever: rod-cone degeneration
•Labrador Retriever: rod-cone degeneration
Unfortunately, no treatment has been formulated to prevent, treat or cure progressive retinal atrophy. A number of vitamin therapies have been suggested, however, there is no evidence to suggest that vitamins have any therapeutic effect. As stated previously, affected animals should be identified as early as possible and eliminated from breeding programs.
Progressive retinal atrophy is a painless condition. Animals that lose sight from PRA usually acclimate well to their environment with time, as they utilize their other senses to make up for their vision loss. Maintaining a consistent environment for the affected animals will help the acclimation process. For example, frequent furniture rearrangement during this period should be avoided. When animals are taken from their home environment, the use of leads and harnesses are helpful in addition to reassurance to comfort your pet.
Progressive retinal atrophy refers to a broad category of inherited retinal diseases that result in gradual blindness. Because of the insidious nature of the disease, serial examinations may be required to detect affected individuals. Affected individuals should not be used for breeding purposes.
