What is OptiGen prcd-PRA testing?
OptiGen is a DNA-based test that helps breeders avoid the most common form of Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). PRA refers to a group of diseases that cause the retina of the eye to degenerate slowly over time. The result is declining vision and eventual blindness. “prcd” stands for “progressive rod-cone degeneration.” Prcd-PRA is inherited as a recessive trait, which means that for a trait to develop the dog must inherit two mutant genes responsible for the trait. One gene is inherited from each parent (thereby making two genes in total). “Carrier” dogs have one mutant gene and one “Normal” gene and are known as “heterozygous” for the trait/disease. All our dogs are DNA tested (or are from “Normal/Clear” parents) and we are pleased to say that we have no affected dogs. “Clear/Normal” dogs will never develop the disease and are not carriers of prcd PRA and cannot pass this disease onto their offspring. “Carrier” dogs will also never develop this disease and provided they are mated to
