PRA diagnosis - Should we get him a companion?

[Jane S]

..apparently some vets think the younger they are the faster it goes (doesn't seem fair but there we are). 

Yes that's what an eye specialist said at a seminar I attended some time ago and it does seem to happen that way. Another theory I've heard is that some dogs inherit another gene or modifying gene which slows down the progression of disease so that some  affected dogs may still have some sight well into old age. There's sadly still quite a bit unknown about this disease in Cockers, especially why it's so variable.

[We love Louie]

Thanks for the information. Do you think he should be checked periodically?

Gillian

[Jane S]

Thanks for the information. Do you think he should be checked periodically?

Gillian

I guess it would depend on your opthalmologist - some seem to be much keener on monitoring affected dogs than others. When our girl was diagnosed as afflicted, she was only showing slight signs so our opthalmologist asked to see her again in 6 months to see how things were progressing but once the disease has advanced to the degree that cataracts have formed, the retinas can't be seen so there wouldn't be much point in a check up at that stage