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Phenotype: Affected adult dogs begin to display night blindness (vision loss under low light) that gradually progresses to complete blindness. Many Basenjis, however, do maintain adequate daylight vision for many years.
Mode of Inheritance: Autosomal recessive
Alleles: N = Normal, PRA = Progressive retinal atrophy (Basenji variant)
Breeds appropriate for testing: Basenji
Explanation of results:
• Dogs with N/N genotype are expected to not have this Basenji progressive retinal atrophy variant. They cannot transmit this PRA allele to any of their offspring.
• Dogs with N/PRA genotype have one copy of this PRA allele and are expected to not have progressive retinal atrophy but are carriers. They will transmit this PRA allele to 50% of their offspring. Matings between two carriers of PRA may, on average, produce 25% of puppies with progressive retinal atrophy.
• Dogs with PRA/PRA genotypes are homozygous for this PRA allele and will display signs of progressive retinal atrophy.
Basenji Health Panel
$105 per animal
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a term used to describe a group of inherited disorders of the retina, characterized by progressive retinal degeneration and consequent blindness. More than 20 mutations in various genes have been associated with PRA in dogs. A non-stop genetic variant in the S-antigen (SAG) gene has been identified as the cause of an adult onset progressive retinal atrophy that affects Basenjis.
This PRA disorder is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that a dog must have two copies of this PRA allele to be affected. Affected dogs begin to display vision loss in dim light in adulthood. While many Basenjis are able to maintain daylight vision for many years, the disorder typically progresses to complete blindness.
Testing recommendations: DNA testing for progressive retinal atrophy can determine the genetic status of dogs. Dogs with one copy of the PRA allele are normal but are carriers. Matings between two carrier dogs may, on average, produce 25% of puppies with progressive retinal atrophy.