Important Progressive Retinal Atrophy Study

PRA is a progressive disease of the retinas that leads to blindness. It is inherited, and has been diagnosed in Tervuren of a number of litters over the course of the past ten years and more, with new diagnoses made within this past year. Without a blood test, our breed faces a likelihood of increasing numbers of new cases of PRA. We are pleased to announce that we now have a wonderful opportunity before us to help find a blood test to enable the eradication of PRA in our breed.

Michigan State University is conducting a research program with the aim of developing a genetic test to enable the eradication of PRA in Belgians. MSU has considerable experience in looking for gene defects in dogs. Dr. Petersen-Jones was responsible for the identification of the gene defect for PRA in Cardigan Welsh Corgis and development of a DNA test for it at Michigan State University. To be successful in their hunt for the gene defect in Belgians, they need to gather samples from as many PRA-affected dogs and their immediate relatives as possible.

To help please send them the following:

1. Blood collected in a citrate blood tube (or EDTA blood tube). Ideally they would like to receive 10ml of blood. The blood tubes must be clearly labeled so they know which dogs they are from. A cooler pack should be included to keep the tubes cool. The tubes should be placed in ziploc plastic bags and packed in padding in a small package that will protect them during delivery. They prefer to receive blood tubes rather than cheek swabs because this yields longer fragments of DNA.
2. A pedigree of the dogs sampled. Please indicate the relationship to PRA-affected dogs or known PRA-carriers.
3. Please enclose a copy of the latest CERF examination report or any report that you may have about your dog's eyes.
4. Please also fill in and return the form "Information Form for Michigan State University PRA studies" with details about your dog.
5. Please mail your samples with completed forms (avoiding arrival on weekends or holidays) to:
   Dr. Petersen-Jones (PRA Research)
   Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences
   Michigan State University
   D-208 Veterinary Medical Center
   East Lansing, MI 48824-1314.

All information will be treated with confidence.

Simon Petersen-Jones, DrVetMed Ph.D. DVOphthal DipECVO MRCVS
Assistant Professor, Comparative Ophthalmology
Direct Line:  517-353-3278
email:  peter315@cvm.msu.edu

If you would like to speak with an owner of a PRA-affected Tervuren, contact:
Karen Johnson, 248-684-6344
email sunfiretervs@comcast.net

Other ways you can help:

Please complete this form and provide us with as detailed a pedigree as possible.

Return to:

Dr. Petersen-Jones
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences
Michigan State University
D-208 Veterinary Medical Center
East Lansing, MI 48824-1314.

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Breed of dog: 

Color:

AKC Registered Name:

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YOUR DETAILS:

First Name:                                      Middle Initial:             Last Name:

Street Address:

City:                                                                  State/Country:                   Postal (Zip) Code:

Phone:

Email:

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History of Hereditary Eye Diseases (if any). Please provide copies of any current CERF forms.

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Please provide us with any contacts for obtaining samples from affected dogs or their relatives:

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