Progressive Retinal Atrophy, rcd3 in Dogs

Category: Eye
Breeds documented: 5
Published sources: 5

Overview

In this inherited form of progressive retinal atrophy, the retina gradually loses its ability to sense light. The retina is the layer at the back of the eye that supports vision. Night vision is affected early, followed by more extensive sight loss. The condition is associated with a change in the PDE6A gene. In Cardigan Welsh Corgis, it can cause blindness during the first few years of life.

Signs to watch for

Hesitating in dark rooms or outside after sunset.
Bumping into objects in unfamiliar places.
Pupils that look unusually large.

In Cardigan Welsh Corgis, night-vision problems can appear around 6 to 8 weeks.

When to get help Book a vet visit when you notice changes in your dog's vision.

Diagnosis and tests

DNA testing can detect the PDE6A variant responsible for rcd3. A veterinary eye specialist examines the retina and may use an electroretinogram, which measures its electrical response to light. This can reveal impaired retinal function before the changes become obvious during an ordinary eye examination.

Breeds with documented risk

5 breeds

By breed size

2 Toy
2 Small
1 Medium

PomeranianToy · Toy Group
Cardigan Welsh CorgiSmall · Herding Group
Chinese CrestedToy · Toy Group
KeeshondMedium · Non-Sporting Group
German SpitzSmall · Miscellaneous Class

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.