DNA test - PRA (rcd2) (Progressive retinal atrophy)

Details about the disease

Generalised progressive retinal atrophy (gPRA) is a disease of the retina. All forms of rcd are characterised by the initial loss of rods, the retinal cells that operate during night vision, followed by the degeneration of cones, the cells in the retina that are responsible for vision in bright light/daylight.

Find out more about PRA.

Clinical signs

Clinical effects of rcd2 have an early onset and may present when 6 weeks old, with complete blindness by 12 months.

How is it inherited?

The disease is described as an autosomal recessive condition. This means that a dog must inherit two copies of an abnormal gene (one from its mother and one from its father) before its health is affected. A dog that inherits only one copy of the abnormal gene (from its mother or its father) will have no signs of the disease, but will be a carrier and may pass the gene on to any offspring.

Which laboratories test for this condition?

Two lists of laboratories that test for PRA (rcd2) can be found below.

Laboratories that send a copy of your dog's results straight to The Kennel Club, so you don't have to.
Laboratories Contact details

The Kennel Club DNA Testing Services (UK)

Available as part of an all-in-one health test package for the Rough Collie.

Read more about The Kennel Club DNA Testing Services
Laboklin (UK) Phone: 0161 282 3066
Email: Laboklin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
Web: www.laboklin.co.uk
Pinmoore Animal Laboratory Services (UK) Phone: 01829 781855
Email: 
Pinmoore Animal Lab Services
Web: www.palsvetlab.co.uk

Where will your dog's results be published?

DNA test results from these laboratories are sent directly to The Kennel Club and are recorded on to the dog's record in the registration database, and are published:

Laboratories that do not send a copy of your dog's results to The Kennel Club. You'll need to do this yourself.
Laboratories Contact details
Genomia (Czech Republic) Email: Genomia Genetic Laboratory
Web: www.genomia.cz
Paw Print Genetics (USA) Email: Paw Print Genetics
Web: www.pawprintgenetics.com
Van Haeringen (Holland) Email: Van Haeringen Genetics
Web: www.vhlgenetics.com

How to submit DNA test results to The Kennel Club

The laboratories listed above do not send your dog's DNA test results to The Kennel Club. To have these results placed on your dog's record please submit them yourself by scanning and emailing them to our health results team.

What we require on the results certificate

Please note that we require at least two forms of identification on the result certificate. These must include the dog's microchip or tattoo number along with either the dog's registered name or registered number. Results without these details can not be accepted by us.

Where will your dog's results be published once you have submitted them?

DNA test results received by The Kennel Club are recorded on to the dog's record in the registration database, and are published:

Breeding advice and what your dog's results mean

If, once your dog is DNA tested, you would like to find out what their DNA test results mean, or how to select the right mate to avoid producing affected puppies, then please read our breeding advice and DNA testing information.

How to find out if a potential mate has been DNA tested

The Kennel Club’s Health Test Results Finder allows you to find the results of DNA tests carried out as part of The Kennel Club's official DNA testing schemes for any dog on The Kennel Club’s Breed Register.