Progressive Retinal Atrophy (rcd1)

Description

Rod-cone Dysplasia Type 1 (rcd1-PRA) is a form of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), with early onset of the disease. This inherited disease was originally identified in Irish Setters in the United Kingdom and has long been established as an autosomal recessive disease. Autosomal recessive diseases are diseases that can be passed from either parent and require two copies of the gene to show symptoms. Animal Genetics tests for both rcd1-PRA and rcd3-PRA.

In Irish Setters, rcd1 is caused by a nonsense mutation in a G>A transition. The mutation creates a premature stop codon. This means that there is an interruption in the DNA, causing the mutated enzyme to be 49 amino acids shorter. The amino acids normally form a protein. However, due to the mutation, the protein is shortened and cannot fulfill its normal function. Photoreceptor cell degeneration in the eyes begins from 10 days of age. Degeneration continues for up to a year until the dog is totally blind. There is no known cure for rcd1 disease.

Because rcd1-PRA is a recessive disorder, a dog must have two copies of the mutation in order for the disease to manifest. This means that a dog can have one copy of the mutation and not experience any signs or symptoms of rcd1-PRA. This dog would be known as a carrier. The carrier can then pass on either the normal gene or the mutated gene to any offspring. If two carriers are bred, there is a 25% per puppy that they will develop symptoms of rcd1-PRA.