I. What is Canine Retinal Atrophy?
Canine retinal atrophy is a serious eye disease, mainly manifested as the gradual degeneration and death of photoreceptor cells in the retina, resulting in decreased vision and even blindness. The retina is an important tissue in the eye that receives light and converts it into nerve signals. When the retina atrophies, the visual function of the dog will be greatly affected.
II. Types of Retinal Atrophy in dogs

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA):
Generalized PRA:
This is the most common form, affecting both eyes symmetrically and gradually leading to complete blindness. It is usually an inherited condition and occurs in two types:
Early-Onset PRA: Also known as retinal dysplasia, it begins in puppies or young dogs.
Late-Onset PRA: This form develops in adult dogs, typically between 3 to 9 years of age.
Central PRA (CPRA): Unlike generalized PRA, CPRA primarily affects the retinal area responsible for central vision, sparing peripheral vision. Symptoms include difficulty with distance vision and seeing stationary objects.
Secondary Retinal Atrophy:
This form of retinal atrophy occurs as a result of an underlying cause, such as trauma, inflammation, infection, or systemic diseases (e.g., diabetes). Unlike PRA, secondary retinal atrophy progresses according to the severity of the underlying condition and is not typically inherited.
Each type affects dogs differently in terms of onset, progression, and symptoms, and diagnosis usually requires a veterinary ophthalmologist.
III. The Symptoms of Retinal Atrophy in Dogs
Night Blindness: The early symptom is usually night blindness, that is, the dog's vision drops significantly in dim or dark environments. It is manifested as difficulty in walking and hesitation in moving forward at night or in low-light conditions, and the dog may bump into furniture or obstacles.
Gradual Decrease in Vision: As retinal atrophy progresses, a dog's daytime vision will also be affected, with a gradual decrease in vision, which may result in difficulty seeing surrounding objects.
Pupil Dilation: In some dogs, the pupils remain dilated even in light, unable to contract normally, and the reaction to light becomes weak or even disappears.
Abnormal Eye Reflection: At night, when light is shone into a dog's eyes, an increased reflection from the fundus may be observed, which is a common phenomenon resulting from retinal degeneration.
Behavioral Changes: As vision declines, dogs may show behavioral changes, such as increased dependence on their owners, reduced activity, and feelings of insecurity or anxiety in their environment.
IV. Treatment Methods

1.Professional Examination: Once symptoms such as decreased vision or
abnormal eyes are detected in dogs, it is important to take them to a vet as soon as possible. Vets typically conduct a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, including fundus examination, intraocular pressure measurement, and electroretinography, to accurately diagnose the type and extent of retinal atrophy, as well as to determine the presence of other potential ocular diseases .
2.Identify the Cause: Determining the cause of retinal atrophy is crucial, as different causes may require different treatment approaches. For example, if an infection is the cause, it is important to identify the specific pathogen and provide appropriate anti-infective treatment; if genetic factors are involved, a long-term care and management plan should be developed based on the specific circumstances.
2.Treating the Underlying Disease: Actively treating the primary disease that causes retinal atrophy is crucial. If it is caused by an inflammatory disease such as uveitis, vets will prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, such as corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), to control the inflammatory response and reduce further damage to the retina. If the cause is due to an infection, appropriate antibiotics, antiviral, or antiparasitic medications will be used for treatment.
3.Nutritional Support: Providing dogs with nutrient-rich food or supplements can help protect retinal cells and slow disease progression. For example, foods rich in antioxidant vitamins such as vitamins A, C, and E, and lutein—like carrots, spinach, and blueberries—can offer some nutritional and protective benefits for the retina. Additionally, under the guidance of a vet, specialized ocular nutritional supplements can be used for further support.
Best supplements recommended for dogs' health . For more information, please click the pictures.

Noora 8 in 1 contains vitamin E and vitamin C, and Selenium, good for vision health for you pets. .
Advantages: Specifically designed for dogs, this supplement provides comprehensive health support, including for joints, muscles, cardiovascular health, skin, gut, vision and immune system。
Appearance/Taste: This product is available in chewable tablets that have a chicken liver taste to make it more appealing for dogs.
Size: 2.5 grams each tablet, 50 tablets in each bottle, a total of 125g (4.41 )

Noora Daily Multi contains vitamin A vitamin C and vitamin E, good for vision health
Advantages: Noora Daily Multi is a comprehensive health supplement designed to complement today's dog diets by providing 21 essential nutrients. It supports overall health maintenance and well-being in dogs of all ages, ensuring they receive a balanced intake of vital vitamins and minerals.
Appearance/Taste: The supplement comes in a vegetable flavor, which is appealing to dogs and encourages consumption.
Size: Each chew is formulated to be 3.5 grams, making it a manageable size for dogs to chew comfortably.
Quantity: 60 chews in each bottle, a total of 210 g (7.41 oz).
6.Pharmacological Treatment: Certain medications may help alleviate the symptoms of retinal atrophy or slow down the progression of the disease. For instance, neurotrophic factors and antioxidants, while not providing a complete cure for retinal atrophy, can to some extent protect retinal nerve cells and maintain their function. Vets will select appropriate medications based on the specific condition of the dog, and inform the owner about the method of use and precautions for these medications.
7.Establishing a Follow-up Plan: Follow the vet's advice and bring your dog for regular check-ups to promptly understand the progression of retinal atrophy. The follow-up typically includes vision tests and fundus examinations. Vets will adjust the treatment plan and care measures based on the results of these check-ups.
8.Closely Monitor Symptom Changes: Pet owners should closely observe any changes in their dog's symptoms in daily life, such as whether there is a further decline in vision, the emergence of new ocular symptoms, or any abnormalities in behavior and mood. If any unusual conditions are noticed, it is important to communicate with the veterinarian promptly and seek medical attention for the dog.
V. How to Prevent Retinal Atrophy in Dogs ?
i. Regular Ocular Examinations
1.Establishing a Routine: Regularly bringing your dog to the vet for a comprehensive eye examination is one of the important measures to prevent retinal atrophy. It is generally recommended to have at least one eye examination per year. For senior dogs, dogs with chronic diseases, or those with a family history of eye diseases, the frequency of examinations should be increased appropriately.
2.Early Detection of Issues: Through professional eye examinations, vets can detect potential ocular problems in dogs early on, such as retinal changes, cataracts, glaucoma, etc., and take timely treatment measures. This can effectively prevent the condition from progressing further and leading to retinal atrophy. For example, if a mild retinal inflammation is detected early in dogs, timely anti-inflammatory treatment can prevent serious damage to the retina.
ii. Prevent Eye Infections and Injuries
1.Maintain Eye Cleanliness: Regularly keep your dog’s eyes clean and
hygienic by gently wiping around their eyes with a clean, damp cloth to remove discharge and secretions, which helps prevent the growth of pathogens such as bacteria and viruses that can lead to eye infections. If you notice unusual symptoms like redness, tearing, or an increase in discharge, promptly consult a vet to prevent the infection from worsening and affecting retinal health.
2.Prevent Eye Injuries: Be cautious to avoid eye injuries during your dog's daily activities. For example, prevent rough play with other animals that could result in scratches to the eyes, and when taking your dog outdoors, ensure the environment is safe to avoid contact with sharp objects or other potential hazards.
iii.Managing Systemic Diseases
1.Managing Chronic Diseases: Some systemic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and kidney diseases, can affect the ocular blood circulation and metabolism in dogs, increasing the risk of retinal atrophy. Therefore, for dogs with chronic diseases, owners must strictly follow the vet's advice for treatment and management, control the progression of the disease, and regularly monitor related indicators, such as blood sugar and blood pressure, to reduce damage to the eyes.
2.Preventing Infectious Diseases: Certain infectious diseases, such as canine distemper and infectious canine hepatitis, can also lead to ocular lesions in dogs, potentially causing retinal atrophy. It is important to vaccinate dogs on schedule and carry out preventive health care to prevent the infection of infectious diseases. At the same time, when dogs are ill, it is crucial to closely monitor their ocular symptoms and promptly detect and treat any potential ocular complications.