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Progressive retinal atrophy in the Tibetan spaniel in Norway and Sweden
1Norwegian College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Oslo.
The Veterinary Record
|April 9, 1994
Summary
Late onset progressive retinal atrophy was diagnosed in 51 Tibetan spaniels. This inherited eye condition causes rapid vision loss, progressing from night blindness to complete blindness within a year.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Ophthalmology
- Canine Genetics
Background:
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a group of inherited eye diseases causing retinal degeneration.
- Late-onset PRA presents unique diagnostic challenges, especially in breeds with variable tapetal reflectivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical presentation and inheritance pattern of late-onset progressive retinal atrophy in Tibetan spaniels.
- To determine the geographic distribution and familial aggregation of this condition.
Main Methods:
- Ophthalmoscopic examination of affected dogs.
- Pedigree analysis to investigate mode of inheritance.
- Review of clinical data from multiple countries.
Main Results:
- Fifty-one Tibetan spaniels diagnosed with late-onset PRA between 3-7 years of age.
- Rapid disease progression from initial night blindness to total vision loss within approximately one year.
- Affected dogs were interrelated, suggesting a common ancestry.
- Autosomal recessive inheritance is postulated based on pedigree studies.
Conclusions:
- Late-onset progressive retinal atrophy is a significant inherited condition in Tibetan spaniels.
- The disease appears to be a worldwide concern within the breed.
- Early diagnosis can be challenging due to variable ophthalmoscopic findings.
