[PyrNet-L] HEALTH, CHAT: CPRA

["Tracy Bassett" <espinay@dynamite.com.au>]

I though that this info, which was posted to another list I am on, might be
useful to someone.  Has anyone got a copy of the article it is referring to?

<<This was copied from the United Kingdom "Dogs World" dated September
1999.  The investigation was funded by the U.K. Guide Dogs for the Blind
Association.  The project was lead by Professor Peter Bedford, Chair of
Canine Medicine and Surgery at the college, University of London.

 Under the heading of "Research Team finds cure for eye disease" my  weekly
dog paper reports that the Royal Veterinary College in the U.K.  have found
a cure for Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy (CPRA).

After a study of several breeds, including Retrievers and Cockers, they came
to the conclusion that CPRA is caused by damage to the retina through
vitamin E deficiency.

The report continues to say that the constituent vitamin E is an important
antioxidant substance and it helps protect tissue from damage caused by
light.

The scientific work reveals that affected dogs are simply not able to retain
vitamin E in their system and after a meal there is a rapid decay in the
blood levels necessary to move vitamin E through the body.

It would, therefore, appear that supplementation of vitamin E to the dogs
diet can keep blood levels sufficiently high to stop the disease in it's
tracks.

 By careful screening of breeds, known to be predisposed to the disease, it
will be possible to pick-up the disease in its early stages and stop it
before it has a noticeable effect on sight.>>


Tracy Bassett
Canberra, Australia
espinay@dynamite.com.au
visit my webpage at http://members.dynamite.com.au/espinay/index.htm