Health Testing

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Both prcd-PRA and EOPRA are inherited recessively and can be identified using a DNA marker test.  Dogs identified as Normal (or Clear) can be bred with certainty to any carrier or affected dog without passing on the ailment. 

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (prcd- PRA) is a genetic disease that causes late onset, slowly progressive loss of sight.
  
• Early Onset Progressive Retinal Atrophy (EOPRA) s a genetic disease that causes early onset loss of sight.  

Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER) 

OFA CAER exams are  ophthalmic examinations performed by American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologist (ACVO) Diplomates, to assess dogs for the presence or absence of observable hereditary eye disease. Dogs with normal exam results will receive OFA eye certification numbers that are valid for one year.  

Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy (JDCM) is a disease affecting the muscular tissue of the heart in puppies aged 2-25 weeks.  It is characterized by cardiac chamber enlargement, ventricular wall thinning and decreased contractile function.  JDCM can be identified using a DNA linked marker test.  Dogs identified as Normal are not likely to develop JDCM nor pass a JDCM causing allele to their offspring.     

Hip Dysplasia is a deformity of the hip joint.  It occurs when the socket of the pelvis (acetabulum) and the head of the femur don't grow at equal rates.   Factors such as excessive growth rate, types of exercise, improper weight, and unbalanced nutrition can magnify this genetic predisposition.  Evaluation of the hip joint is performed after a dog has turned two years of age.  A Veterinarian does a specific X-Ray that is then submitted to The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for evaluation by their panel of Veterinarians.  The dog’s hip status is rated using Excellent, Good, and Fair for dogs that do not exhibit hip dysplasia, and Mild, Moderate, and Severe for dogs that are dysplastic.  

Rafael Toro:  Based upon the radiograph submitted, the consensus was that no evidence of hip dysplasia was recognized. The hip joint conformation was evaluated as GOOD.    https://ofa.org/advanced-search/?appnum=2358505

Paisley Kane:  Based upon the radiograph submitted, the consensus was that no evidence of hip dysplasia was recognized. The hip joint conformation was evaluated as EXCELLENT

https://ofa.org/advanced-search/?appnum=2435544

Storage Disease (GM-1 Gangliosidosis): is a recessive genetic disorder affecting multiple body systems.  Puppies display neurological signs including vision loss, behavioral changes, gait abnormalities and seizures. It is fatal to affected puppies.  GM1 was first reported in the PWD breed in the 1990’s. Genetic testing for GM1 has been available since September of 1999, making it possible to test parents and no longer produce puppies with this fatal disease. The rate of carriers in the PWD is less than 1%.

More Details to come.

Improper Coat (IC):  Please note that IC is NOT a health condition.   I have included it here as there is a test available through Optigen to test a dog’s carrier status.  A dog affected by IC has a naturally patterned coat where the hair on the face, front of legs and feet is naturally short.  Hair around the neck and withers is longer.  These dogs resemble a flat coat or curly coated retriever.  They do shed, some more than others.   An IC puppy can be identified by a practiced eye as early as three weeks old, though by 7 weeks it is very clear that a dog has an improper coat.  IC is a simple recessive.  thus a dog tested Clear will not produce a puppy with IC regardless of the other parent’s status.