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Since we are the subject of eyes....OFA Eye Certifications....

9/8/2025

The Dachshund Club of America recommends all Dachshunds used for breeding to be OFA certified for Eyes. This is a test that should be done yearly.

You can easily find clinics at local dog shows that offer a reduced fee for doing this type of examination. To give you an idea, it was only $55 for the exam and $10 for the OFA certification here in Montana. Both Torvi and Odin had their done at a show. For Torvi, because her genetic DNA results for all eye issues including PRA were clear, it was recommended to have her tested every other year. For Odin, because he is a PRA carrier, yearly.

It is just as important, if not more so, to have the physical exams & Health checks as it is for the DNA testing. BOTH should be used on all dogs bred!

OFA eye testing is a screening program for inherited eye diseases like Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) in Dachshunds. The exam is part of the Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER), which is administered by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) in conjunction with the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO).
The OFA eye exam process

Performed by specialists. The exam must be performed by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist (a Diplomate of the ACVO).
Dilation is required. The dog's pupils are dilated with special drops about 30 to 40 minutes before the examination.
In-depth screening. The ophthalmologist performs a screening using indirect ophthalmoscopy and slit lamp biomicroscopy to examine the eyelids, cornea, lens, retina, and optic nerve.
Certification length. A passing certification is valid for 12 months, and annual re-examinations are recommended for breeding dogs.
Public database. Passing results and breeder-option conditions are published in the OFA's public database. Owners may also opt to submit non-passing results.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) in Dachshunds
PRA is a group of inherited degenerative diseases of the retina that lead to progressive, non-painful vision loss and eventual blindness.

Symptoms: Early signs often include night blindness, followed by vision loss in normal daylight. Owners may notice their dog becoming hesitant to go down stairs or entering dark rooms, bumping into things, and having abnormally dilated pupils.
Genetic component: Several genetic variants can cause PRA, and the age of onset varies depending on the specific mutation. Some types appear in young dogs, while others don't cause symptoms until middle or later ages.
Varieties affected: Specific types of PRA have been identified in Miniature Long Haired and other Dachshund varieties.
No cure. There is no cure for PRA, but most dogs adapt well to their gradual vision loss. Treatments focus on helping the dog cope with their reduced vision.
DNA testing. Genetic DNA tests are available to identify carriers of known PRA variants. This allows breeders to make informed decisions to reduce the incidence of the disease in their puppies.

Why both tests are important for breeders
Responsible Dachshund breeders use both types of tests to ensure the health of their dogs and puppies.

OFA eye exam (phenotype): This annual clinical exam by an ophthalmologist checks for the observable signs of inherited eye diseases at that moment in time. It helps track conditions that may develop later in life.
DNA testing for PRA (genotype): This one-time genetic test identifies whether a dog is a carrier for known PRA gene mutations. Because PRA is an autosomal recessive disorder, a dog can be a carrier of the gene without showing any symptoms. This test is crucial for preventing the breeding of two carriers, which could produce affected puppies

In addition to Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), the OFA Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER) exam looks for many other heritable eye disorders known to affect Dachshunds. During the annual examination, a veterinary ophthalmologist screens for conditions involving the eyelids, cornea, and lens, some of which are more significant than others.
Conditions of the retina

Canine Multifocal Retinopathy (CMR): An inherited retinal disease that causes lesions to form on the retina of a puppy, typically at just a few months old. In Dachshunds, the most common form is CMR3. It does not typically progress after one year of age and causes little or no vision loss.
Retinal Dysplasia: This condition is a malformation of the retina, resulting in retinal folds. The severity ranges from small, insignificant folds to larger detachments that can cause blindness.

Conditions of the lens

Cataracts: While cataracts are common in older Dachshunds, those that occur early in life can have a genetic component. The ophthalmologist will note any opacities in the lens. Significant cataracts can cause vision impairment or blindness.
Persistent Pupillary Membrane (PPM): This congenital defect occurs when remnants of the fetal blood vessels in the eye fail to regress normally. While many cases are mild and have no effect, severe cases can affect vision or cause corneal opacities where the strands of tissue attach.

Conditions of the cornea

Corneal Endothelial Dystrophy: This progressive disease typically affects middle-aged Dachshunds. It involves the breakdown of the cell layer that regulates fluid balance in the cornea, leading to fluid buildup and a cloudy-blue appearance. There is no cure.
Immune-mediated Keratitis: Also known as punctate keratitis, this inflammatory disease causes multiple inflamed areas on the cornea. It can be treated with medication, but typically requires lifelong management.

Conditions of the eyelids

Distichiasis/Ectopic Cilia: These related conditions involve extra eyelashes growing from an abnormal location.
- Distichiasis: Eyelashes grow from the margin of the eyelid and can irritate the cornea. The severity depends on the number and stiffness of the lashes.
- Ectopic Cilia: A single or multiple hairs grow abnormally through the inner surface of the eyelid, causing pain and corneal ulcers.
Entropion: A condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing irritation from normal eyelashes and hair rubbing against the surface of the eye.

Conditions related to merle genes

Merle gene disorders: For Dachshunds with the merle (or dapple) pattern, breeding can be complicated. Dogs with two copies of the merle gene (double dapples) are at a higher risk for eye and hearing problems, including micropthalmia (abnormally small eyes) and other visual defects.

How breeders use the CAER exam
For many of these conditions, the ACVO Genetics Committee provides specific breeding recommendations to help responsible breeders make informed decisions.

Public database: Passing results are published on the OFA website, helping breeders prove they are testing for inheritable eye conditions.
Breeder options: For minor conditions like mild distichiasis, the CAER exam might indicate "breeder option," meaning the ophthalmologist has noted a minor issue, but it does not necessarily prevent the dog from passing the exam or being bred.
No breeding recommendations: For more significant diseases with a heritable component, such as progressive retinal atrophy or severe cataracts, the committee may recommend against breeding.
Genetic testing: When available, DNA tests for specific conditions can be used in combination with the eye exam to identify carriers and prevent passing on inherited disorders

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Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Dachshunds

9/7/2025

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Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a group of inherited, degenerative eye diseases that commonly affect Dachshunds and eventually cause blindness. Dachshunds are susceptible to multiple types of PRA, including one specifically identified in Miniature Long-Haired Dachshunds. The condition is not painful, and most dogs adapt well to their vision loss because it progresses slowly

How PRA affects Dachshunds
In Dachshunds, as with many other breeds, PRA follows an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. This means that a dog must inherit the specific mutated gene from both parents to be at risk of developing the condition.
The retina, located at the back of the eye, contains specialized light-sensitive cells called photoreceptors.

Rods: Detect low light and motion, enabling night vision.
Cones: Detect color and are important for daylight vision.

Most forms of PRA first cause the rod cells to degenerate, leading to initial night blindness, followed by the cones, which causes day blindness. The age of onset and rate of vision loss varies by the specific genetic mutation. For example, the cord1 mutation, associated with Miniature Long-Haired Dachshunds, often begins affecting dogs in early to middle age.

Symptoms of PRA
Because PRA is a slow, progressive condition, signs may not be obvious at first. Owners often notice problems when their dog is in low-light environments. Common symptoms include:

Hesitancy to go into dark rooms or outside at night.
Bumping into objects, especially in unfamiliar or dimly lit areas.
An abnormally bright, reflective eye shine, especially when light hits the eyes.
Dilated pupils that react slowly to light.
Cataracts can develop in the later stages of the disease

Our boy Odin, like all of our Dachshunds, have been genetically tested through Embark.

Odin's results came back showing he has one copy of PRA5 and Progressive Retinal Atrophy, crd4/cord1.

So what does that mean for Odin and his future breeding? Well ALL females will need to have a Genetic DNA Result showing clear for all forms of PRA before breeding, as well as the other tests required for the health of both dogs being bred, and the future of the offspring.

Breeding a Dachshund with one copy of Progressive Retinal Atrophy 5, PRA5/CRD4/CORD1

You can breed a Dachshund with one copy of the PRA5 gene, but only if its mate has been genetically tested and confirmed to be clear of the mutation. This responsible breeding strategy is known as "carrier to clear" and prevents the production of affected puppies.

Understanding PRA5 inheritance
PRA5 is a late-onset form of progressive retinal atrophy that affects Dachshunds and other breeds. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, which means:

Carrier dogs have one copy of the gene mutation but do not develop the disease themselves.
Affected dogs inherit two copies of the gene mutation, one from each parent, and are at risk of developing vision loss.

Offspring outcomes of a carrier-to-clear breeding
When a Dachshund carrying one copy of the PRA5 gene is bred to a clear Dachshund (with no copies), the following outcomes are expected:

50% of the puppies are statistically likely to be carriers, inheriting one copy of the mutation.
50% of the puppies are likely to be clear, inheriting two normal copies of the gene.
Zero puppies will be affected by PRA5 and at risk of developing the disease

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Let's Talk About Health Testing

Since we are the subject of eyes....OFA Eye Certifications....

Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Dachshunds

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