Eyes - rcd4-PRA

Poodles may have eye abnormalities which include progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), optic nerve hypoplasia, distichiasis, micropapilla, and microphthalmia. PRA is considered hereditary, and some other eye abnormalities are presumed to be hereditary. Many of these abnormalities lead to blindness, although some can be corrected with surgery. For more information see: https://www.ofa.org/diseases/eye-certification/eye-disease-glossary.

The rcd4-PRA test is done on a small sample of blood, or from a cheek swab. The test analyzes the specific DNA mutation causing rcd4-PRA.  The test detects the mutant gene copy and the normal gene copy. The result of the test is a genotype and allows separation of dogs into three groups:  normal/clear (homozygous normal), carrier (heterozygous) and affected (homozygous mutant). Affected or carrier status must be bred only with normal/clear to produce non-affected offspring. For more information, go to http://www.optigen.com/opt9_rcd4PRA.html.

Another form of PRA occurs at much higher frequencies.  Information on prcd-PRA can be found at http://vipoodle.org/chic_testing_items/eyes-prcd-pra/

Various labs have collection protocol that should be followed for that lab.

DNA tests can be done as soon as the lab will accept using their protocol.  Some lab will accept dew claws or docked tails.  Cheek swabs may be obtained as soon as the risk of contamination from other nursing puppies can be alleviated.

We recommend that owners/breeders use laboratories to submit testing for rcd4-PRA that are approved by OFA and to record their results with OFA.  A list of those labs may be found https://www.ofa.org/dna-test-labs.

This is a genotype exam.