The Jack Russell Terrier Research Foundation
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
PRA Quiz
Q. PRA can be detected by a CERF exam.
A. True. PRA is one of the many eye diseases detected by the ophthalmologic exam.
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Q. A CERF exam done at 2 years of age to all breeding Jack Russell Terriers is the only way we can eliminate this disease.
A. False. A CERF exam can only determine if the dog has the disease. In many breeds signs and symptoms do not appear until 5+ years of age. It also appears to be an autosomal recessive trait in JRTs like in many other breeds. Hence the parents of a diseased dog may be carriers and not show any symptoms of the disease.
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Q. Only dogs with PRA can pass on PRA.
A. False. Explained above
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Q. PRA is an autosomal dominant trait.
A. False. In all but one breed studied so far PRA has been found to be an autosomal recessive trait.
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Q. PRA is an autosomal recessive trait.
A. True.
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Q. There is no way of telling who is a carrier of this trait.
A. True for most breeds! The Irish Setter has a diagnostic screen available to them and they are close to having one for a few other breeds.
Working together toward a better breed.
