Previous dog PO Box 4169 Lisle, Illinois 60532 |
Franklin is a sweet playful 5 year old who has been diagnosed with PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy). This is a genetic disease that causes retinal degeneration. Franklin has very little vision if any at all. He does not require medication or any follow up for this condition. His loss of vision does not slow him down or prevent him from doing all of the normal things dogs like to do. It's amazing to watch him in action. Franklin enjoys romping around the yard, playing tug, chase, fetch, and just following his nose sniffing around. He loves to play with toys and with other dogs. Franklin has come a long way while in foster care. He is now house-trained and knows a few basic commands. He sits quietly during family meals. He is walking better on a leash but will need some continued work with distractions like those frisky squirrels he wants to chase. Franklin will do best with a family that has the time and is willing to help him transition into his new home. He learns his way around quickly but he will initially bump into things. He would love a canine buddy to play with. One that is similar in size would be best as he may accidentally step on smaller dogs and pets. Franklin is sound sensitive and loud noises such as thunderstorms, trucks, motorcycles will make him anxious and he will bark. Until he has bonded with his new family he could be a flight risk when frightened by loud noises so a fenced yard is mandatory. Franklin is very affectionate, he has tail wags for everyone and likes to snuggle. He loves being petted and getting belly rubs. He is quite the clown and will bring lots of fun and joy to any home. Franklin currently has a cute fuzzy look because he had to be shaved. Once his coat grows out he will be a very handsome sable and white boy. The article below is from the Collie Health Foundation: PROGRESSIVE RETINAL ATROPHYThe other Collie eye problem that can occur in rare instances is Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Since the name is just what it implies, it can be a progressive disease that may not appear until later in life. This is a completely different and unrelated disease to CEA. As the name indicates, PRA is a progressive disease which refers to retinal degeneration. It can result in complete blindness in one or both eyes. However, Collies seem to be blessed with the fact that PRA seems to have an early onset. Fortunately, this is an eye disease that has largely been eradicated thanks to breeders' efforts of test breeding potential carriers. Since PRA is a simple recessive gene, it is much easier to test for than CEA. Also, thanks to funding of certain grants by the Collie Health Foundation, research is being done to locate the genetic markers for this disease, which will further reduce the occurrence. Currently there is no genetic test for PRA, but rumor is that researchers are very close to finding a DNA marker.PRA has proven to be a simple recessive in all the breeds studied. Again, this means that even though the condition is not present at birth, both parents must be carriers. If one parent has PRA, half the puppies may develop PRA, but all will be carriers for the disease. Early signs of the problem may be noticed by the owner as "night blindness." The dog has trouble seeing in dim light and will bump things. An expert may detect early signs in the eye at six months or younger.
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