Progressive retinal atrophy / GR-PRA1 (SLC4A3-related) - Golden Retriever

What does this test examine?

This genetic test analyses the SLC4A3 variant c.2601_2602insC in the Golden Retriever. The condition is known as Golden Retriever PRA1 / GR-PRA1 / PRA-SLC4A3 / progressive retinal atrophy. The result shows whether the dog carries zero, one or two copies of the tested variant.

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a group of inherited retinal diseases in which photoreceptor cells gradually lose function. In this test, the relevant cause is in the SLC4A3 gene, allowing a specific breed-related PRA risk to be identified.

What does this condition mean?

GR-PRA1 is an inherited retinal degeneration in the Golden Retriever. Clinical signs include night blindness and loss of peripheral vision, after which the disease can progress to more severe visual impairment.

Early signs can be subtle: reduced vision in dim light, hesitancy in unfamiliar spaces, difficulty avoiding obstacles and later loss of day vision. DNA testing identifies the inherited status before visible signs appear or before a breeding combination is chosen.

Inheritance and result

The trait is autosomal recessive. The result gives a lifelong genetic status for the tested variant.

• N/N - no copy of the tested variant detected.
• N/insC - one copy of the tested variant detected.
• insC/insC - two copies of the tested variant detected.

Practical value of this test

For Golden Retriever breeders, this test is practical because carriers can look healthy while two carriers can produce affected puppies. The result supports informed mate selection and active management of GR-PRA1 in lines.

• Helps breeders include inherited eye health in selection and mating plans.
• Identifies hidden carriers or genetically positive dogs before they are used for breeding.
• Reduces the risk of puppies with a predictable inherited PRA predisposition.
• Gives owners and breeders clear information for family screening, line management and eye-health follow-up.
• Supports transparent communication when selling, buying or selecting breeding animals.