We are compiling a list of the different health screening tests available now to breeders.

We are aware of Hips/elbows and eyes, but what else can be screened for and how do they 'score' each test result?

EG: Hips  RH 8 / LH 11 total: 19

Please can we keep replies as straight forward and 'simple' as possible. We just need to know the basics.

Also, is testing carried out yearly or is it a one off test?

Your help as always, is much appreciated

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

MRI scanned for SM(Syringomyelia)-Results are Malformation present/Sphiinx present/Hernination present/clear at the time of scan-can be a mix of all, 2, 1 or none

It is a one off scan

Heart for MVD(Mitre Valve Disorder) can be screened from birth on a scale of 0-6 & is a annual test

Border Collies/Smooth Collies/Rough Collies

DNA tested for MDR 1(Multi Drug Reaction)(one off from full weaning)-Affected/Carrier/Normal

As well as Clinical eye tests-DNA testing for CEA/CH-one off as soon as puppy can have enough blood taken-Affected/Carrier/Normal

Border Collies

DNA tested for CL & TNS-one off as soon as puppy can have enough blood taken-Affected/Carrier/Normal

Puppies from genetically normal parents do not need to be tested for the conditions

BAER is a one-off test, done at any age after 5 weeks. The three possible results are bilateral hearing, unilateral hearing, or totally/bilaterally deaf.

Deerhound - Liver shunt test at 8 weeks old - one off test

Factor VII - recommended that all Deerhounds are tested re this (clear/carrier/affected), puppies from clear parents do not need testing - one off test

Briards ( Congential Stationary Night Blindness) CSNB

a test determines whether a dog is clear ( no copies of mutant gene )

a Carrier ( one copy of the mutant gene and one normal gene )

or affected (two copies of the mutant gene )

DNA test

forgot to add

puppies from clear parents do not need testing - one off test

STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERIERS

L2 AND HEREDITERY CATARACTS
PPVB AND PVPB (think its that way round)

basically two different eye test,
one done by qualified specialist vet and the l2 and hereditery cataract done via dna swabs

for swabs contact animal health trust

EITHER Clear, carrier or effected, carriers must only be bred with a clear, efected not bred at all..

l2 is not an eye test its something to do with the brain,

Australian Shepherds

DNA testing for MDR1(Multi Drug Reaction)  -Affected/Carrier/Normal (one off blood test or mouth swab)

DNA testing for CEA/CH and PRA  -Affected/Carrier/Normal (one off blood test)

DNA testing for preliminary cataracts *new* (one off mouth swab)

Gabrielle

Cocker Spaniels

DNA testing for FN (Familial Nethropathy) Normal/Carrier/Affected one off blood test or cheek swab
DNA testing for PRA Clear/Carrier/Affected one off blood test or cheek swab (I believe)

STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIERS

All breeding dogs should be DNA tested for L2-HGA and HC

It is a one off test to see if a dog is carrying the genes for either of these conditions.

There are three possible results.

CLEAR = The dog does not carry the gene for the condition and will not be affected by the condition

CARRIER = The dog carries one of the genes for the condition that can be passed onto their offspring, the dog will not be affected by the condition.

AFFECTED = The dog carries two genes for the condition which WILL be passed onto their offspring AND the dog WILL be affected by the condition at some point in its life.

Only DOG with a CLEAR result should be bred from to make sure all puppies born are also CLEAR of the condition. CARRIER to CLEAR mating can take place as long as all pups born are then tested and endorsements placed, though this is not recommended unless you are 100% aware of what you are doing.

CARRIER to CARRIER mating should never take place as there is a chance AFFECTED pups will be born. AFFECTED dogs should never be bred from.

All SBT's should also be eye screened for PHPV and PPSC. It is only a clinical eye exam and you will either get a result of AFFECTED or UNAFFECTED. UNAFFECTED dog can still cary genes for the disease and pup AFFECTED with the condition can still be born from UNAFFECTED parents as there is no DNA test available yet for these conditions.

PHPV is a one off test. Once a dog is tested UNAFFECTED the condition does not develop. All pups should be tested at 6 weeks old by their breeder BEFORE going to their new homes.

The KC does not recognise the results of litter screening as very, very mild PHPV can be missed at such a young age and so all dog should be retested again at a year old. HOWEVER litter screening is vital to make sure pups arent affected before going to their new homes. There is nothing more heartbreaking for a buyer to discover that their pup is going blind. They may not discover this until the dog is much older.

Breeders should also be testing for their own peace of mind to make sure they do not reproduce pups affected by PHPV before they realise previous litters were affected.

PPSC can develop at anytime in a dogs life. Annual eye screening of all dogs is vital. It cannot be detected by litter screening. PPSC is NOT part of the usual eye exam and so owners need to SPECIFICALLY ask for this test to be done when going for their eye exam.

The HC eye exam is no longer necessary if you dog is DNA tested.

NEWFOUNDLANDS

CYSTANURIA  (BLADDER CRYSTALS /STONES) ,CAN LEAD TO  KIDNEY FAILURE , BLADDER RUPTURE  AND DEATH IF NOT TREATED PROMPTLY

Inherited disorder  dna test    

test identifies   genetically clear (homozygous normal)
                        affected
                        carriers (heterozygous)

carriers should not be used for breeding