Disease overview

Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Cone-Rod Dystrophy 3 (PRA-crd3) affects Glen of Imaal Terriers. This is an adult-onset disease that affects both rod and cones. Rod cells are responsible for vision in low light conditions and for detecting and following movement, while cone cells detect color and adjust brightness, but do not work as well in low light.

Gene name

ADAM9

Inheritance

Autosomal recessive

Signs and symptoms

Signs of change in the tapetum, the reflective surface of the eye, may begin as early as 3 years of age. Subsequent symptoms include vision loss in dim light environments between 3-5 years of age, subsequently followed by progressive visual deficits.

How is it diagnosed

A veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination of the eyes and clinical signs. A veterinary ophthalmologic exam can determine if there are changes in the eye that could lead to vision loss. Genetic testing assists veterinarians with diagnosis and helps breeders identify affected and carrier dogs.

Breeds at higher risk

Citations

Goldstein O, Mezey JG, Boyko AR, Gao C, Wang W, Bustamante CD, Anguish LJ, Jordan JA, Pearce-Kelling SE, Aguirre GD, Acland GM. An ADAM9 mutation in canine cone-rod dystrophy 3 establishes homology with human cone-rod dystrophy 9. Mol Vis. 2010 Aug 11;16:1549-69. PMID: 20806078; PMCID: PMC2925905.

Disclaimer

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