04/04/2022
I saw this comment in a post and I can’t agree more with it! It’s an extremely controversial subject and it’s been discussed many times but I absolutely love how Amber Thomas-Teel stated this!!
PRA occurs in less than 1% of dachshunds. And of that 1%, only 1% actually lose their vision. The test is so inaccurate that most labs have stopped performing it. Testing is a tool. Not all testing is backed by science on the specific breed. In my program, we test for certain traits and genetic mutations when we feel it is necessary, as long as the science is there to "back up" the results.
PRA is a flawed test for gene that MIGHT lead to a gene that MIGHT lead to PRA. The UK stopped testing in 2013 due to testing being deemed ineffectual. Even an affected dog may never get PRA, and a clear dog can get PRA.
PRA can be bred out in 3 generations. Sad to think we would throw away potentially excellent DNA by neutering when there are breeding solutions. So many dogs were culled over PRA testing and sadly we will never recover some incredible bloodlines as a result.
The other issue with PRA testing is that there are over 40 cords and they only test cord 1 and 4. So it’s very misleading for any breeder to claim their dogs are clear, when they are only clear of 2/40 cords.
Plus, what if you test and you have a recessive with both parents?
Only the dominant comes out in the tests.
So, you could have two tested dogs that have a clear screening but if both parents carry a recessive then you end up having it pop up anyway.
I choose to follow the advise of my veterinarian. He has been practicing for over 40 years and has never seen a dachshund develop blindness as a result of PRA. He has seen dogs test positive for being PRA affected, only to have a completely normal examination by an Opthamologist. He does not believe the science is solid on the testing.
We have personally never had a dachshund with vision issues. However if we ever did, vision loss due to a congenital defect would be covered under our health guarantee. If we began seeing this issue in our lines we would make some hard decisions. At this time no such issue has presented itself.
We understand and respect that not all breeders and buyers feel this way about this specific test, and that is there decision to make. Our stance is that we do not speak poorly of anyone who chooses to invest in PRA testing, we just ask for the same courtesy to be shown to our program.
I think there are so many other areas of higher risk that Dachshund breeders should focus on, but instead they tout PRA clear dogs as genetically sound, when that’s absolutely not always the case.
