Current Research Studies - Health - Bernese Mountain Dogs
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Research Organization: Optigen
Contact Person: Jeanette Felix
Contact Phone: 607-257-0353
Email Address: genetest@optigen.com
Additional Information: sandcastlebmds@earthlink.net
Project Web Site: Not applicable
About This Disease
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a long recognized, hereditary, blinding disorder. It is inherited as a simple autosomal recessive in most breeds. The first modern description of this problem was in Gordon Setters in Europe, in 1911, but since then PRA has been recognized in most purebred dogs.
About This Research Project
Dr. Aquirre at Optigen has been instrumental in developing genetic tests for PRA in a number of breeds. He and his fellow researchers now feel they have a good lead as to the type of PRA in Bernese as well as for the other three related Swiss breeds, the Appenzellers, the Entelbuchers (a test has now been developed for Entelbuchers), and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs.
What is Needed? (if you participate)
To pursue the research, Optigen needs:
- contact with any owners of dogs that have been determined to be PRA carriers or any affected dogs
- to review the eye exam reports of carriers/affected dogs
- copies of the pedigrees of carriers/affected dogs
- blood samples of carriers/affected dogs
* The information collected by Optigen is kept confidential.