Progressive retinal atrophy / rdAc-PRA / RD2 (CEP290-related) - Cat

rdAc-PRA / retinal degeneration II in cats

This DNA test assesses the CEP290 variant c.7584+9T>G that causes rdAc-PRA / retinal degeneration II. The disorder is also known as rdAc, PRA-CEP290, PRA-B, retinal degeneration II, RD2, late-onset photoreceptor degeneration and progressive retinal atrophy. Progressive retinal atrophy is an inherited retinal disorder in which light-sensitive cells gradually lose function.

Cats with this form are usually born with normal vision. Vision can then decline gradually; many affected cats develop progressive blindness between about three and five years of age, although progression can differ between animals.

How to read the result

• Clear: the tested variant is not detected; the cat will not pass on this variant.
• Carrier: the cat carries one copy; for recessive PRA forms, the cat remains clear because of this variant but can pass it on.
• Affected: two copies cause this form of progressive retinal disease and provide clear breeding-risk information.

Practical value of this test

• confirms whether a cat is clear, carrier or genetically affected for this specific variant;
• identifies carriers reliably, even when they have normal vision;
• supports breeding selection, mating plans and reducing affected offspring.