Progressive retinal atrophy
Some Dachshunds will develop progressive retinal atrophy, a degenerative eye disease that eventually results in blindness. The disease isn't painful and sometimes has no symptoms until the dog is almost completely blind; however, some dogs will show reluctance to go down stairs or go into dark areas (night blindness can be an initial stage of the disease). In some dogs, the eye lens looks more opaque or cloudy, but this isn't always the case.
In particular, longhaired Miniature Dachshunds may be prone to PRA. The good news is, a DNA test can pinpoint whether a Miniature longhaired Dachshund is a carrier for PRA, so breeders who do this
test should be able to make smarter breeding decisions. Be sure to ask your breeder whether he or she tests breeding dogs for PRA.
If your breeder would like to know more about this new DNA test for PRA, send him or her here: www.dachshund-dca.org/health.html.
After a dog develops progressive retinal atrophy, no treatment can reverse it. However, blind dogs can live a happy life, with a little extra care.
Post a comment