PRA crd3
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a heritable condition that causes gradual loss of sight in dogs; and cone-rod dystrophy 3 (crd3) is the Glen variant of PRA. In 2010, two research laboratories identified the gene mutation that causes crd3 ... and developed a DNA test. It is now possible for breeders to avoid producing puppies that are at risk of developing crd3 ... by ensuring that the crd3 status of both the sire and dam is known, and that at least one parent is either known to be hereditary clear (HC) or has been DNA tested clear for crd3.
Both UK breed clubs provide "best practice" guidance to breeders in their Codes of Ethics:
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"The crd3 status of both parents should be known, or established by DNA test prior to (first) mating" (EFG)
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"At least one parent to be either Hereditary Clear or DNA tested Clear, to ensure that the puppies are not at risk of developing the blinding disorder, GPRA-crd3" (EFG)
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"All parents must be DNA tested unless hereditary clear of gPRA/crd3" (GOITA)
Breeders: For more information about testing for PRA crd3, please see the box below.
Puppy buyers: Ask the breeder about PRA crd3
DNA test for PRA crd3
The DNA test involves sending a blood sample or buccal (mouth) swabs from your Glen, to one of the laboratories listed below.
This is a "one-off" test to determine the crd3 status of your Glen -- clear or carrier or affected.
How do I get my Glen DNA tested for PRA crd3?
UK
Laboklin (Manchester)
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Sample: Swab or blood EDTA
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Cost: £48.00
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Please click here to order the DNA test for your Glen
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Laboklin will notify the Kennel Club of the result, which will be published on the KC's Health Test Results Finder
The Kennel Club's DNA Testing Services -- N.B. Login required
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Sample: Swab or blood EDTA
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Cost: £60.00
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Please click here to order the DNA test for your Glen
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This test is performed by Weatherbys Scientific in Ireland
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Results will be published on the KC's Health Test Results Finder.
Animal DNA Diagnostics (Cambridge)
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Sample: Swab or blood EDTA
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Cost: £60.00
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Please click here to order the DNA test for your Glen
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This test is performed by Animal DNA Diagnostics' partner lab in the USA
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Animal DNA Diagnostics will notify the Kennel Club of the result, which will be published on the KC's Health Test Results Finder
N.B. The Kennel Club requires at least two forms of identification on the result certificate. These must include the dog's microchip number along with either the dog's KC registered name or registered number. Please ensure that you provide this information on your Glen's submission form.
Mainland Europe
Labogen (Germany)
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Sample: Swab or blood EDTA
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Cost: €62.00
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Please click here to order the DNA test for your Glen
USA
Results
You will be informed of the result by the lab to whom you have sent the sample, and a certificate should be available within two or three weeks.
UK owners
Please check that your Glen's result is published on the Kennel Club's Health Test Results Finder ... and that the result is correct!
For any queries or corrections, please contact the Kennel Club's Health & Breeder Services department:
health.results@thekennelclub.org.uk.
