PROGRESSIVE RETINAL ATROPHY
PRA and prcd-pra Testing
The progressive retinal atrophies (PRA) have long been identified as potential problems in the Norwegian Elkhound. These are genetic disorders that lead ultimately to complete blindness in affected individuals.
Several distinct forms of progressive retinal atrophy have been documented in the breed. A direct genetic test for one of the types of PRA (prcd-pra--a mutation in the prcd gene) is available from Optigen, a private company www.optigen.com. The company offers free prcd-pra testing for any dog diagnosed with PRA by a veterinary ophthalmologist.
This test cannot clear a dog of PRA, only of this specific mutation. The necessity for yearly CERF exams will not change regardless the result of this test.
The science and the testing for prcd-pra are reliable. This test is a valuable tool for breeders to consider. The prcd mutation has definitely been found in Elkhound families in and from the UK. At this time, however, there are no data on the presence or frequency of this mutation in unrelated American Elkhounds. We simply do not know whether it is or is not an issue in American lines. We need data to address this question.
At this time, we believe that it is premature to recommend widespread testing of American Elkhounds. We do, however, recommend that all breeders consider testing some of their dogs. Initially, we suggest that those interested in testing select a few individuals who represent the maximal heterozygosity in their lines—in other words, the most outbred individuals. The goal is to generate as broad a survey as possible of American gene pools. Based on testing results, further recommendations can be developed.