Border Collies-How to Spot and Treat Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Border collies are extremely intelligent and energetic herding dogs that form strong bonds with their human families. Unfortunately, the breed is susceptible to inherited eye diseases like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). PRA causes blindness in both eyes that worsens over time. The disease ultimately leads to complete loss of vision, which can be emotionally and practically difficult for both dogs and their owners. However, responsible breeding practices and advances in canine ophthalmology now make it possible to detect carriers, slow disease progression, and preserve vision in affected border collies. This allows them to enjoy full, active lives. In this article we talk about How to Spot and Treat Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Border Collies.

What Causes Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Border Collies?

PRA in border collies stems from a recessive gene mutation. Both parents must carry the mutated gene for it to be passed to offspring. Over generations, breeding of carriers proliferates the defective gene throughout the breed population. The mutation causes the retina, a neural membrane lining the back of the eye, to degenerate. The retina contains photoreceptor cells called rods and cones. These capture and transmit light so images can be processed in the brain. As rods and cones deteriorate, affected dogs lose night vision, peripheral vision, and visual acuity. Most border collies with PRA are completely blind by age 5-8 years.

How Is PRA Detected in Border Collies?

Veterinary ophthalmologists can diagnose PRA in border collies through routine eye exams between 8 weeks and 2 years old. Initial symptoms like poor night vision may not appear until later, but identifiable retinal changes precede vision loss. Exams under mydriasis (pupil dilation) allow detailed assessment of retinal abnormalities indicating early PRA. Annual follow-up exams monitor disease progression. Genetic testing can also identify dogs that carry PRA-associated gene mutations. Testing breeder dogs helps eliminate affected lineages and reduce propagation through future generations. For pet border collies, early diagnosis from exams and genetic testing enables prompt vision preservation treatment.

What Are the Signs of PRA in Border Collies?

Border collies with PRA gradually lose vision beginning with poorer night vision and peripheral sight. Owners may notice dogs hesitating to enter dark rooms or startling easily in dim light. Stumbling over objects in peripheral view or altering paths to avoid obstacles may also indicate PRA onset. As central vision sharpness declines, dogs may have difficulty locating toys or following hand signals. They often begin bumping into furniture or walls or fail to recognize familiar people until very close. Pupil dilation, retinal color changes, and other exam findings precede these vision deficits by months or even years in most cases.

How Quickly Does PRA Progress in Border Collies?

Left untreated, PRA causes inevitable, progressive vision loss culminating in complete blindness. However, the rate of degeneration varies among individual border collies. Speed of progression ranges from subtle initial changes over years to rapid decline within months. Frequent eye exams help veterinary ophthalmologists determine how quickly the disease seems to be advancing in each dog. This guides recommendations for activity restrictions and treatment interventions necessary to maintain functional vision and quality of life. While total blindness cannot be prevented in dogs genetically prone to PRA, early action helps delay its onset as long as possible.

What Treatments Options Are Available for PRA in Border Collies?

Though PRA has no cure, various treatments can significantly slow further retinal damage and preserve remaining vision once border collies are diagnosed. Therapeutic interventions include:

• Nutritional supplementation with anti-oxidant vitamins and omega fatty acids to support retinal metabolic function and health. Veterinary ophthalmologists often recommend daily supplements.
• Low-level laser light therapy directed into the eyes may help stimulate retinal cellular repair and renew activity. Treatments are painless but require regular veterinary visits.
• Gene therapy to correct the genetic mutation responsible for border collie PRA shows promise but is still under development. Procedure risks also require careful consideration.

In addition to medical treatment, lifestyle adjustments like avoiding high-risk activities and using mats with tactile cues and ramps can aid vision-impaired border collies. Maintaining stimulation and exercise remains important for their welfare too. With appropriate management, dogs with PRA can happily participate in many regular activities and interaction with their beloved humans.

How Can Border Collie Owners Help Prevent PRA?

All responsible border collie owners and breeders should prioritize eye health and genetic screening to reduce PRA prevalence. Some ways individual owners can help include:

• Research lineage eye health when selecting border collie puppies
• Schedule CERF eye exams for pet border collies by 12-24 months old
• Consider genetic testing to confirm PRA status even without symptoms
• Keep dogs lean and active to support eye and body health
• Feed eye-healthy diets rich in vitamins, minerals, and omega oils
• Avoid over-exposing eyes to UV light with outside time

Reputable breeders should also:

• Screen all breeding dogs yearly through CERF exams
• Perform genetic testing and only breed dogs free of PRA mutations
• Provide eye exam and genetic test certificates for all puppy buyers
• Carefully select pairings to avoid doubling up on defective genes
• Advance healthier generations through selective breeding programs

With responsible practices, education, and veterinary care, the incidence of progressive retinal atrophy in border collies can be dramatically reduced. Dogs already affected can also enjoy good quality of life through early intervention. Annual eye health evaluations help all border collie owners and veterinarians collaborate to promote better vision outcomes for this uniquely talented breed. Prioritizing eye health ensures border collies maintain excellent sight to capably perform their signature herding activities for years to come. I sincerely hope you find this “Border Collies-How to Spot and Treat Progressive Retinal Atrophy” article helpful.