PRA

P.R.A. Latest research, CPRA (central progressive retinal atrophy)

The disease is variable in onset, and affects the central part of the field of vision, with dogs retaining their peripheral vision. It was this variable onset and the speed of progression that suggested to Professor Peter Bedford, that there were other factors at play rather than purely genetic. The Guide Dogs For The Blind funded his work as CPRA occurs in the Labrador and the Golden Retriever.
Basically what Prof. Bedford has discovered through his studies, is that affected dogs have a metabolic defect that affects their vitamin E absorption, vitamin E being an antioxidant that protects the retina from the harmful effects of light. The greater this metabolic deficiency the faster
the disease appears, and the quicker it progresses.
Although no cure has been identified, Prof. Bedford has discovered that if affected dogs are supplemented with vitamin E, then the progression of the disease can be halted.

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