Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Cats
Key takeaways
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in cats is a genetically inherited condition that destroys retinal cells required for vision.
- PRA inevitably leads to blindness
- PRA is caused by a variety of genetic defects and is most common in Abyssinian and Persian cats
- The loss of vision is gradual causing the condition to often go unnoticed until advanced
- Symptoms include dilated pupils, hesitance to move around in new rooms or situations, and bumping into objects
- Cat parents may also observe that their pet's eyes have become more reflective when light shines on them
- Electroretinogram, a retinal analysis method, provides a definitive diagnosis
- There is no effective treatment to cure, slow, or prevent the degeneration of the retina
- Cats with PRA become completely blind over a period of months to years
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A closer look: Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Cats
The retina is a component at the back of the eye that receives light and communicates the information to the brain to be translated into eyesight. Degeneration of the retina causes a gradual loss of vision as the component ceases function and can no longer send visual stimuli to the brain.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in cats is rare, untreatable, and not painful. Some diseases that also cause vision loss are curable, so any sudden vision changes warrant immediate veterinary attention to increase the likelihood of saving vision depending on the cause.
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Risk factors
Given that PRA is genetic the greatest risk is a familial history of PRA. This is most common in Abyssinian and Persian cats. Symptoms of PRA develop gradually and later in the disease development, cats may develop cataracts.
Possible causes
PRA is caused by a range of genetically inherited defects that leads to degeneration of the retina and blindness.
Main symptoms
These are further characterized as
- Decreased night vision characterized by nervousness at night, reluctance to enter dark rooms, and bumping into objects in low light
- Increased reflectiveness of eyes when exposed to light
- Moving slowly or reluctance to move around
Testing and diagnosis
The first step to diagnose PRA is a full physical exam. A number of eye tests may also be conducted to rule out other causes of vision loss. The definitive diagnostic test for PRA is the electroretinogram, which often requires referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist.
Steps to Recovery
There is no available treatment; affected cats inevitably become permanently blind. Blind cats can maintain an excellent quality of life with proper management.
Prevention
There is no known way to prevent PRA. A DNA test is available to detect the defective gene in breeding animals. Affected cats and their close relatives should not be bred.
PRA is not contagious to other animals or to people.
Is Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Cats common?
PRA is uncommon in cats, with certain breeds being overrepresented.
Typical Treatment
There is no available treatment.
