Disease overview

This type or progressive retinal atrophy is characaterized by an early reduction in rod function and an early and progressive loss of outer retinal structure, ultimately resulting in blindness. The defect is caused by rhodopsin mislocalization to photoreceptor inner segments, instead of its usual localization to the outer segments.

Gene name

KIF3B

Inheritance

Autosomal recessive

Signs and symptoms

The first signs of retinal degeneration can appear as early as 8 weeks of age (thinning of the outer retinal layers and loss of definiton of the inner and outer photoreceptor segments). Behaviors consistent with vision loss become obvious in 1-year-old cats.

How is it diagnosed

This form of PRA is diagnosed with an in-depth opthalmic exam. Your veterinarian can both diagnose and stage the disease using this tool.

Breeds at higher risk

Citations

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32386558/

Disclaimer

Disease diagnosis and treatment should always be performed by a veterinarian. The following information is for educational purposes only.