PRA  Test  for  Finnish Lapphund,  Swedish Lapphund  and  Lapponian  Herder

 The OptiGen genetic test for the prcd form of PRA is available for three closely related breeds - Finnish Lapphund, Swedish Lapphund and Lapponian Herder. Please review the general information on prcd-PRA disease and inheritance as it applies to all of the breeds affected with prcd-PRA.

The OptiGen prcd-PRA genetic test was validated for these breeds using DNA samples from the US and from Europe. In a collaboration between Drs. David Sargan and Jesus Aguirre (University of Cambridge, UK) and Drs. Greg Acland and Gus Aguirre, sets of European DNA samples from all three breeds were supplied to the Baker Research Institute at Cornell University for this analysis.

Initially, analysis of Finnish Lapphund and Swedish Lapphund samples found evidence for only one type of PRA in the breed - the prcd type of PRA. Now, after testing more Lapphunds with a diagnosis of clinical PRA, we have found a few that are not "affected" according to the genetic test for prcd-PRA. This means that, similar to Lapponian Herders, some dogs diagnosed with clinical PRA are "affected" according to the genetic test for prcd-PRA and some are not. A PRA-affected dog will get a result of "affected" with the OptiGen test only if the prcd gene mutation is the cause of its PRA disease. If the clinical condition has a different cause, the OptiGen test will not detect it. Other causes of PRA can be other mutations, other genes, or non-genetic factors that result in a disease that looks similar on eye exam.

Dogs that are clinically affected with PRA are tested at no charge provided prior approval is obtained. In order to qualify, a copy of the eye exam and pedigree must be sent to OptiGen in advance of submitting a sample. Once approved, the sample may be sent to OptiGen for free testing, and a report will be sent to the owner. It is important to test all dogs with a diagnosis of PRA, since there might be other forms of PRA occurring in a breed.

The prcd-PRA test is performed on a sample of unclotted blood. You will find detailed information about ordering and shipping on this website at Instructions and Information. Please note that international owners have special shipping options in Europe and Australia. Also note that there are opportunities for discounts with litters and during scheduled 20/20 Clinics.