Based on experience to date, there is only one form of PRA in Tollers, the form called progressive rod cone degeneration (prcd). Thus, the DNA mutation test is expected to identify all cases of Toller PRA. Several other breeds have this same type of PRA, however the typical characteristics of the disease can be somewhat different from breed to breed, for example, age of onset, severity, and rate of progression to blindness. Tollers show much variation in each of these characteristics.

On Feb. 1 2002, OptiGen Laboratory, LLC, a canine genetic testing laboratory began accepting and processing blood tests to determine - with 99% accuracy - if your Toller is clear, a carrier of or affected with Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). This exciting new test, available world wide, is made available through the research of Dr. Gus Aguirre and colleagues of the James A. Baker Institute for Animal Health at Cornell University.  It was also made possible by the generous donations of the Van Sloun Fund for Canine Genetics Research to benefit the work of the Inherited Eye Disease Studies Unit; the Morris Animal Foundation; The Seeing Eye Inc., Foundation Fighting Blindness; NEI/NIH grants EY-06855 and 13132, the US and Canadian NSDTR clubs and countless members and Toller owners.

Sue Van Sloun and Dr. Gus Aguirre on the occasion of Sue receiving the  Baker Institute's 1998 Arthur F. North,  Jr. Canine Service Award Photo by: Nicola Kountoupes, Cornell Photography

The start of the PRA Toller study was first announced in Quackers (Summer 1994).  At that time, founding club members Sue Van Sloun and Marile Waterstraat met with Dr. Aguirre to outline steps necessary in the quest for the answer to PRA. By the Fall 1994 issue of Quackers, six Tollers were featured that were the founding stock for this important research. For the next eight years, the persistence of Dr. Aguirre, Sue Van Sloun and study participants helped define the gene marker which was the basis of the new OptiGen test. Blood samples, fundraising efforts and numerous visits to Dr. Aguirre all made this test a reality.

Then on May 31 2005, the news came that the prcd-PRA gene had been identified.

From: Jane Folkman
Subject: Toller prcd-PRA Gene Discovered

PRESS RELEASE: Toller prcd-PRA Gene Discovered

OptiGen, LLC, proudly announces identification of the gene causing canine prcd-PRA (progressive rod-cone degeneration form of Progressive Retinal
Atrophy). The cause of this inherited blinding disease, occurring in at is one specific mutation in the coding sequence of the gene. OptiGen now
offers a direct gene mutation test (mutation test) to detect the prcd-PRA status of any dog among affected breeds.

The prcd-PRA mutation test can be obtained following the same procedures as before - see www.optigen.com. As of June 1, 2005, the fee for the prcd-PRA
test is reduced 25%, down to $195. Opportunities for discounts for litters, through online ordering and 20/20 Clinics continue.
We want to thank everyone who has participated in the PRA study through the years and those breeders who have used the marker test to reduce the
incidence of the prcd-PRA disease in Tollers. We now have 100% confidence with this new gene mutation test.

*************************************************************************************************************************

What this means to breeders:

***********************************************************************************************************************

To order a prcd Toller blood test:

Detailed instructions are available from OptiGen's website that explain how to ship a sample, request a test and information about the Toller prcd test.

Website: www.optigen.com          Or contact: OptiGen
                                                     (607) 257-0301
                                                     email: Genetest@optigen.com

************************************************************************************************************************

For more information contact:

NSDTR Club of Canada

Cheryl Tomayer Toller Health Coalition Registrar Email: nsdtrs@torlantollers.com

Coming Soon Toller Health Coalition Eye Disease Education Email:

NSDTRC (USA) Health and Genetics Contacts

Sue Van Sloun Project Coordinator (941) 992- 7791 (until 02-15-02) (508) 636-5386  (after 3-05-02) Email: Svansloun@aol.com

Jane Folkman Education/Communication (508) 339-6916  Email: JaneTolls@aol.com