Dogs: Progressive Retinal Atrophy
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Like any purebred dog, the poodle has its own inheritable health issues. The toy and miniature poodle seem to share the same types of disorders, while the standard has problems that are somewhat different in nature. One of the most common disorders in toy and miniature poodles is a condition called Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA).
What is PRA?
PRA is a condition that affects the eyes of a poodle. What causes PRA is that the light cells in the retina die as a result of a lack of blood supply. Unfortunately this is also a progressive disease, meaning that eventually the poodle will lose its sight. Up to this point there is no cure for PRA.
Poodles between the ages of five and six are more prone to experiencing the beginning stages of the disease. PRA can only be detected by an opthalmoscopic exam performed by a veterinarian. Most vets will request this procedure to be done once your poodle reaches the age of five so that any signs can be detected.
Since this is such a debilitating disease, with no cure, the Canine Eye Registration Foundation has been created to maintain a registry of poodles that are certifies as being free from inheritable eye diseases. The certification must be done each year, since a poodle can suffer this disease at any time after the ages mentioned above. When buying a poodle it is a good idea to talk with your breeder about this disease and look into the genetic health history of the poodle puppy you are interested in.
Posted on: Sunday, June 22, 2008 at 1:32 pm 
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