Search results for 'PRA1'

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Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA1): A Preventable Inherited Disease of the Papillon and Phalène

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA1): A Preventable Inherited Disease of the Papillon and Phalène

With their picturesque appeal, predecessors of the modern day papillon (known as continental toy or Titian spaniels) were popular subjects for European painters between the 16th and 18th centuries. The popularity of these small spaniels with European aristocrats and royalty of the Renaissance period, led to their appearance in many paintings from the era. The iconic, longhaired “butterfly-like” ears, for which papillons are named, are obvious in these paintings though many of the portrayed dogs were of the drop-eared variety of the breed that today is known as the phalène. According to an article on the Papillon Club of America website, in the late 19th century erect ears became a more desirable trait with papillon fanciers and eventually the erect-eared variety obtained their current position as the more popular form of the breed. In addition to their beautiful physical attributes, in their modern form, well-socialized papillons are described as happy, playful and affectionate family members. Papillons are also often described as frequent barkers, making them great guard dogs. Despite their adorable personalities and good temperament, like other purebred dogs, the papillon is known to inherit some genetic diseases that could prevent this regal breed from reaching the ...

Ask the Vet: “I’m confused about the different types of PRAs."

Ask the Vet: “I’m confused about the different types of PRAs."

As most canine breeders can tell you, some of the diseases most commonly tested for in pure bred dogs are the eye diseases falling under the general term, Progressive Retinal Atrophies (PRA).  However, because the various types of PRA can present very similarly, many people are unaware that PRA is not just one disease, but is a general category of disease known to be caused by a number of different genetic mutations in several different genes.  The prevalence of each type of PRA varies by breed and some forms have only been identified in a single breed.  In addition to confusion regarding the variety of disorders grouped under the PRA label, there is often confusion regarding the method used to name the individual types of PRA seen.  A good place to start in understanding the common names of these diseases would be to look at the general types of the disease and how they manifest.  In order to understand the various types however, we must first learn a little about how the eye works.

The retina is a light-sensitive layer of sensory tissue that lines the inner surface of the eye.  Light that shines ...