While your primary veterinarian plays a crucial role in your pet's overall health, definitive diagnostic testing for Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is often performed by specialists or through specialized laboratories.
Understanding PRA Testing
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a group of genetic diseases seen in certain breeds of dogs and cats that causes the retina to degenerate, eventually leading to blindness. Early detection is key for managing the condition and understanding the prognosis.
Testing for PRA can involve different methods, primarily focusing on diagnosing the disease or identifying carriers.
Types of PRA Testing and Who Performs Them
Based on the nature of the test and the equipment or expertise required, PRA testing is typically handled as follows:
Diagnostic Testing (like ERG)
Diagnostic tests, such as Electroretinography (ERG), measure the electrical responses of the cells in the retina. This test is sensitive enough to diagnose PRA in dogs even before they show obvious symptoms.
- Who Performs It: In most cases, this means a referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist. These specialists have the necessary equipment and expertise to perform and interpret ERG tests accurately.
Genetic Screening
Genetic screening involves taking a sample (like blood or a cheek swab) to test for specific genetic mutations known to cause PRA in certain breeds.
- Who Performs It: This type of test is usually processed by specialized veterinary laboratories. While your primary vet may collect the sample and send it to the lab, they do not typically perform the genetic analysis themselves.
- Purpose: This test may help detect carriers of the disease who might not show symptoms but can pass the gene to their offspring. In some areas, genetic screening for inherited PRA may be available.
The Role of Your Primary Vet
Your family veterinarian is often the first point of contact if you suspect your dog might have vision problems. They can:
- Perform initial eye exams.
- Discuss breed predispositions for PRA.
- Recommend and facilitate the necessary testing, either by:
- Referring you to a veterinary ophthalmologist for diagnostic tests like ERG.
- Collecting samples for genetic screening and sending them to a laboratory.
Summary of PRA Testing Pathways
To clarify the different paths for PRA testing:
| Test Type | Performed By | Sample/Method | Primary Role of Vet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic (ERG) | Veterinary Ophthalmologist (via referral) | Specialized Equipment | Referral |
| Genetic Screening | Specialized Lab (via sample submission) | Blood, Cheek Swab | Sample Collection, Facilitation |
In conclusion, while your general veterinarian is instrumental in the process, the definitive diagnostic testing for PRA often requires referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist, and genetic testing is typically processed by specialized laboratories.
