New Test Available: X-Linked Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Greyhounds

UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine researchers, Dr. Bannasch and Dr. Thomasy, have identified the likely cause of one form of PRA in racing Greyhounds. The researchers have shared these finding with the VGL pre-publication so that we could more rapidly offer genetic testing to Greyhound breeders.

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is characterized by degeneration of the retina resulting in progressive vision loss that leads to total blindness. A deletion in the CACNA1F gene is a likely cause of PRA in racing Greyhounds and scientific evidence suggests that this particular form of PRA is inherited in an X-linked recessive manner. Since male dogs only have one X chromosome, they only need one copy of this PRA allele to be affected. Females, who typically have two X chromosomes, would need to have two copies of this PRA allele to be affected. However, it is not yet clear whether females with one copy of this PRA allele are truly unaffected - this is currently under investigation. 

Testing for PRA assists owners and breeders in identifying affected and carrier dogs. Male dogs with one copy of this PRA allele will be affected and will pass on this PRA allele to all of their female offspring. Females with two copies of this PRA allele are affected and will pass on this allele to all of her offspring. Breeders can use results from the test as a tool for selection of mating pairs to avoid producing dogs affected by this ocular disorder. 

To read more about this test, visit https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/test/greyhound_progressive_retinal_atrophy