Progressive retinal atrophy

Progressive retinal atrophy is a group of inherited diseases in which the retina slowly degenerates. Rods fail first, so the earliest sign is trouble seeing at dusk or in a dark room; cones follow, and vision fades over months to years¹². The late-onset form called progressive rod-cone degeneration affects Toy and Miniature Poodles, American and English Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and Portuguese Water Dogs, among others, and often only becomes obvious in middle or older age¹. DNA tests exist for many breeds².

There is no treatment, and the condition is not painful. Dogs adapt well to slow vision loss when the home stays predictable: leave furniture in place, use a night light, block stairs and pools, and talk before you touch. A vet can tell PRA from a treatable cause of night blindness, and can watch for the cataracts that sometimes follow².

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Your vet knows your dog.

Sources

1. Genetic and phenotypic variations of inherited retinal diseases in dogs: the power of within- and across-breed studies (Miyadera K, Acland GM, Aguirre GD). Mammalian Genome 23:40-61, 2012 (peer reviewed). Accessed 2026-09-22.
2. Disorders of the Retina, Choroid, and Optic Disk (Ocular Fundus) in Dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual (pet owner version). Accessed 2026-09-22.