Comments on: PRA: Progressive Retinal Atrophy In Dogs

By: A'Lisa Ozment

A'Lisa Ozment — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 16:41:59 +0000

Never mind! I just re-read the article and realized that we are in the clear with only one gene. Thanks!

By: Pippa Mattinson

Pippa Mattinson — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 13:16:57 +0000

In reply to Nicky. Thank you so much for sharing that Nicky - I'm sure it is a great comfort for those with a dog that has recently been diagnosed.

By: Nicky

Nicky — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 12:40:59 +0000

We adopted an 8 year old Labrador last November who is completely blind. He’d been picked up as a stray and was never claimed by his family from the pound. I suspect he’s been blind a long time as he copes incredibly well. Before he came to us he spent a month in a foster home. He learned his way around their home and then immediately adapted to our home. He’s confident and so so cheerful and loves his 2 walks a day. He is toy mad and carries a cuddly toy on most walks. He uses his brain more than my other Labs have and is an impressive problem solver. Take heart if you have a recent diagnosis – life can still be great for a blind dog.

By: Wendy

Wendy — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 21:18:19 +0000

In reply to Anna Monroe.

I’m sorry to hear this; the same happened to me. But take heart: my PRA lab had a great life walking the neighborhood, even at night he knew when he was near the friendly treat-giving neighbor’s house. He still swam in the river – I would throw a stick, not too far, followed by a rock near to the stick, and he would find the stick. The vet specialist said that dogs have great mental-mapping skill. Just don’t move the furniture and do block off downward stairs. Life was pretty normal actually.

By: Pippa Mattinson

Pippa Mattinson — Wed, 17 May 2017 06:32:13 +0000

In reply to Anna Monroe. Hi Anna, I am so sorry to hear that. I know it doesn't help right now, but many blind dogs lead happy, and fulfilling lives. Best wishes to you both. Pippa

By: Anna Monroe

Anna Monroe — Tue, 16 May 2017 23:46:20 +0000

I went to the vet vision center today with my 3 year old lab. She has PRA and will be totally blind within a year. I cried all the way home. She is my side-kick, bed partner and best buddy. Her breed gave her away because she was not up to His Standards, hunt dog. I hope someone bites him where it hurts!!!

By: Madri

Madri — Thu, 04 May 2017 06:51:56 +0000

I am in tears reading this! My Lab Max that is 5 years of age has all of these symptoms, I am taking him to see the vet today. I rescued him 4 years ago from a shelter, he was born deaf and now this! Not sure how easy this road will be, we live in a double storey house and he is struggling with the stairs already. He is my baby and I am heartbroken!!! Please say a little prayer for Max today that the vet has some good news, no matter what happens I will never give up on him!!! 🙁

By: Mary

Mary — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 13:49:29 +0000

Hi Everyone, The past few months i’ve been noticing my 6 year old Lab Sandy is having trouble seeing at night. She has been walking right into things and has gotten hurt many times. When i looked at her eyes you could see a green color and they look like a glazing over them. Took her to the vet yesterday and they confirmed what i saw plus crystals in her eyes.At this point they want her to see a specialist . i’m heartbroken for my sweet girl. I will do whatever i have to help her . Does anyone know if there are vitamins or anything to help her. Thank you all for your stories, its a big help knowing were not alone. Thanks

By: D Bennett

D Bennett — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 00:13:58 +0000

Our “Rufus” was just diagnosed this week with PRA. We’d noticed his night blindness symptoms for a few months. Our regular vet couldn’t see anything wrong with his eyes, but with symptoms getting worse we took him to our local vet school clinic. The veterinary ophthalmologist said the disease was fairly progressed as his retinas appeared very thin already. They put him through an obstacle course which he aced. He doesn’t seemed blind at all in light conditions, but in dim light he’s bumping into stuff. The article said dogs usually go blind within a year of symptoms. We are praying this will not be the case with Rufus. He is extremely active on the farm. Runs wide open beside the ATVs and swims in the pond every day. I’d like to hear from anyone who’s tried the antioxidants.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 23:54:58 +0000

My dog was just diagnosed with this at age 3. The vet suggested getting a puppy. I’m not sold on this idea. Does
Anyone have experience with this and was it beneficial?