Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Dachshunds

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

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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