Progressive retinal atrophy / PRA-SAG (SAG-related) - Basenji

What does this test analyse?

This genetic test analyses the SAG c.1216T>C variant for progressive retinal atrophy / PRA-SAG in the Basenji. PRA is an umbrella term for inherited retinal disorders in which photoreceptors progressively deteriorate.

What does this condition mean?

Basenji PRA usually develops in adulthood. Early signs often include poorer vision in dim light, loss of peripheral vision and tunnel vision. Many dogs can retain useful forward daylight vision for years, so the condition may be noticed late without genetic testing or eye examination.

SAG encodes retinal arrestin. The tested stop-loss variant extends the protein and disrupts normal photoreceptor function. Not every PRA case in Basenjis has to be explained by this single variant, so a negative result does not exclude other eye problems.

Inheritance and result

The trait is inherited as an autosomal recessive condition. Clear dogs have two normal copies. Carriers have one copy of the variant and can pass it on. Dogs with two copies have the genotype that causes this PRA form.

Practical value of this test

• Helps breeders identify carriers before two carriers are combined.
• Enables targeted breeding plans without automatically losing healthy carriers from valuable lines.
• Gives buyers and owners clear information about genetic risk in a breed or line.
• Supports early preparation when a dog has a genetic risk for progressive vision loss.
• Helps distinguish this PRA variant from other inherited eye disorders within the same breed.

This test is especially valuable when a breed has several inherited eye problems: the result names the exact tested variant and makes breeding advice more concrete.