Paw Print Genetics is excited to announce that it has launched six new, very desired disease tests. These tests compliment the breed-specific assays that PPG already offers and shows our dedication to providing the largest menu of genetic tests for dogs. The following tests can be ordered as individual tests or may be found as part of one of our breed-specific panels. The breed-specific panels represent the most common and/or severe conditions in your breed and these tests should be considered for any breeding dog.
Acral Mutilation Syndrome
Acral Mutilation Syndrome, or AMS, is a neurologic disease affecting Cocker Spaniels, English Cocker Spaniels, English Spring Spaniels, French Spaniels, German Shorthaired Pointers, Old English Sheepdogs and the Pointer. This inherited disease can present around 4 months of age with insensitivity to pain in the lower limbs, repetitive licking and biting of the paws, which eventually can result in self-mutilation. Because affected dogs are unable to feel pain in their feet, they will continue to walk without obvious discomfort. This is an autosomal recessive condition that requires two copies of the mutation to be affected. Screening for carriers will allow breeders to avoid producing puppies with this condition.
Craniomandibular Osteopathy
Found in many terrier breeds such as the Biewer, Cairn, Jack Russell, Parson Russell, Scottish, West Highland White and Yorkshire terriers, as well as non-terrier breeds such as Australian shepherd and many other breeds, Craniomandibular Osteopathy, CMO, is a progressive disease of the bones. Affected dogs present around 4 to 8 months of age with problems chewing, swelling of the jaw, difficulty opening the mouth and jaw pain. This disease is an incomplete dominant condition meaning that dogs with one copy or two copies of the mutation can develop this disease. Genetic testing of dogs can help the breeder make informed decisions about particular dogs in their breeding program.
Macular Corneal Dystrophy (Labrador Retriever type)
Macular Corneal Dystrophy, or MCD, is an inherited, progressive eye disease. Affected dogs may present around 4 to 6 year of age with corneal clouding and compromised vision. As a later-onset condition, testing should be considered for all Labrador retrievers and any Labrador crosses that are currently in a breeding program or being considered for a breeding program. As a recessive disorder, dogs can be tested to see if they are carriers of this mutation. Breeding two carriers together should be avoided, as about 25% of pups would be at-risk for developing this disorder.
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 5 (Golden Retriever type)
There are many genetic causes of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL) in many different dog breeds. Mutations in different genes can cause the same or similar diseases. Paw Print Genetics now offers the Golden Retriever NCL type 5 as part of the Golden Retriever Essential Panel. NCL5 (Golden Retriever type) is an inherited lysosomal storage disease that occurs when a dog inherits two copies of the mutation. Affected dogs present around 13 months of age with nervous system problems such as lack of coordination, balance issues, or difficulties climbing stairs and progresses to blindness, aggression and seizures. This test should be considered for all breeding Golden Retrievers and Golden Retriever crosses.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Rod-Cone Dysplasia 4 (PRA-rcd4)
There are many types of progressive retinal atrophies (PRA) and most are breed specific. On our breed-specific pages, Paw Print Genetics lists the relevant PRA for your breed to help ensure that you are ordering the correct PRA for your breed of dog. PRA-rcd4 is found in a variety of breeds including Australian Cattle Dogs, English Setters, Gordon Setters, Irish Setters, Poodles (toy, miniature and standard), Tibetan Terriers and others. This is a late-onset retinal degeneration that can present around 7 to 12 years of age. Because it is a late-onset blindness, dogs in a breeding program will likely have been bred before showing symptoms. Therefore, this recessive condition should be tested for prior to breeding to avoid producing puppies that will develop this blindness condition.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy, X-linked 1
This known, X-linked form of PRA is found in the Samoyed and Siberian Husky. Because the mutation is located on the X chromosome, female dogs (females have 2 X chromosomes) can generally be asymptomatic carriers of this disease, while about 50% of their male pups (males have one X and one Y chromosome) will inherit the mutation on their X chromosome and will be affected. The disease first presents around 2 years of age and will progress to complete blindness. Female dogs can be tested to see if they are carriers of this progressive blindness to allow breeders to make informed decisions in their breeding program.
We are excited to offer these six new tests. To help you complete the testing that you need for your dogs, be sure to use one of our current discounts. As always, all testing comes with Paw Print Genetics’ commitment to excellent service and the highest accuracy and testing standards in the industry. Please contact us if you have any questions about these tests or any of our genetic tests for your dog. It is our continuing goal to support your efforts in producing the healthiest puppies possible and provide value to your breeding program.