Used with permission from Today’s Breeder, Nestle Purina PetCare
The article discusses the prcd-PRA testing in Goldens, and also includes the use of DNA testing in other breeds, so you might want to share this with friends from other breeds. For better or for worse, all dog breeders are going to have to learn more and try to understand how genetic testing can be used to maintain the health of our dogs.
By Gerry Clinchy, Pine Run Goldens
This article appeared in the 2007 November-December Golden Retriever News and was approved by the GRCA Health & Genetics Committee.
In 2007 a Golden Retriever was diagnosed with physical symptoms of Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). A second opinion and subsequent DNA test proved that it was prcd-PRA, a genetic disorder tied to a recessive gene that can be tested for and diagnosed through a blood test prior to the appearance of physical symptoms. This article discusses the discovery, explains the disease and also talks about the challenges breeders face in making complex decisions about how to eliminate undesirable genes without also losing desirable ones.
download When Good Dogs Get Bad Genes