Changes are in progress at Our LittleBit Ranch!!
After much debate, and HOURS of research we have decided that it is important to our program, and to the breed, that we have all of our dogs tested as listed below. The benefit to this, is that we are able to offer high quality dogs that are true to the breed standards with a little more piece of mind.
HC...Hereditary Cataracts
http://www.animalgenetics.us/Canine/HC.htm
It should also be noted that not all cataracts are hereditary. Cataracts can also be caused by old age or injury.Cataracts are one of the most common hereditary problems in this breed as well as one of the most common inherited eye diseases.
Cataracts are a clouding of lens of the eye caused by a breakdown of tissue in the eye. This generally results in an inability to see clearly, and can cause total blindness. In canines, cataracts are often familial, this type is known as Hereditary Cataracts. A mutation in the HSF4 gene causes this type of cataracts in several breeds of dogs. In this case, the dog is typically affected bilaterally, in that both eyes are affected by the cataracts. The cataracts associated with HSF4 also occur in the posterior region of the lens. They usually begin small and grow progressively, though the speed of growth is highly variable. Some cataracts will grow so slowly that the dog's vision remains relatively clear, while others will grow such that the dog will quickly go blind. Corrective surgery is possible, though it is costly and is not always effective.
A separate mutation of the HSF4 gene is responsible for Hereditary Cataracts in Australian Shepherds. This mutation affects Aussies differently, in that the disease is dominant, but not completely penetrant. This means that only one copy of the mutation is necessary to predispose a dog to the disease, however, incomplete penetrance means that a dog that has this mutation will not always develop HC. Research suggests that the mutation makes a dog 12 times more likely to develop posterior bilateral cataracts at some point in their lifetime. It is likely that a secondary gene interaction occurs in the small percentage of dogs possessing the HC mutation but do not develop cataracts, however, this interaction is not yet know.
N/N-CLEAR.....Dog tested negative for the Hereditary Cataract gene mutation, and will not pass on the defective gene to its offspring.
N/HC- Affected.....Both the normal and mutant copies of the gene detected. Dog is heterozygous for the HSF4-HC gene mutation. The dog is extremely likely to develop cataracts over his lifetime, and can pass a copy of the mutation to any offspring
HC/HC-Affected.....The dog carries two copies of the mutant gene and is homozygous for the HSF4-HC gene mutation. The dog is extremely likely to develop cataracts over his lifetime, and will always pass on the mutation to any offspring.
***WE WILL NOT BREED ANY DOG THAT DOES NOT TEST N/N- CLEAR***
Cataracts are a clouding of lens of the eye caused by a breakdown of tissue in the eye. This generally results in an inability to see clearly, and can cause total blindness. In canines, cataracts are often familial, this type is known as Hereditary Cataracts. A mutation in the HSF4 gene causes this type of cataracts in several breeds of dogs. In this case, the dog is typically affected bilaterally, in that both eyes are affected by the cataracts. The cataracts associated with HSF4 also occur in the posterior region of the lens. They usually begin small and grow progressively, though the speed of growth is highly variable. Some cataracts will grow so slowly that the dog's vision remains relatively clear, while others will grow such that the dog will quickly go blind. Corrective surgery is possible, though it is costly and is not always effective.
A separate mutation of the HSF4 gene is responsible for Hereditary Cataracts in Australian Shepherds. This mutation affects Aussies differently, in that the disease is dominant, but not completely penetrant. This means that only one copy of the mutation is necessary to predispose a dog to the disease, however, incomplete penetrance means that a dog that has this mutation will not always develop HC. Research suggests that the mutation makes a dog 12 times more likely to develop posterior bilateral cataracts at some point in their lifetime. It is likely that a secondary gene interaction occurs in the small percentage of dogs possessing the HC mutation but do not develop cataracts, however, this interaction is not yet know.
N/N-CLEAR.....Dog tested negative for the Hereditary Cataract gene mutation, and will not pass on the defective gene to its offspring.
N/HC- Affected.....Both the normal and mutant copies of the gene detected. Dog is heterozygous for the HSF4-HC gene mutation. The dog is extremely likely to develop cataracts over his lifetime, and can pass a copy of the mutation to any offspring
HC/HC-Affected.....The dog carries two copies of the mutant gene and is homozygous for the HSF4-HC gene mutation. The dog is extremely likely to develop cataracts over his lifetime, and will always pass on the mutation to any offspring.
***WE WILL NOT BREED ANY DOG THAT DOES NOT TEST N/N- CLEAR***
CERF
Canine Eye Registration Foundation
http://web.vmdb.org/home/
A certified Veterinary Optométriste dilates the dogs eyes to look at the lens, retina and other parts of the dogs eyes to then determine if the dog is free of any congenital disorders. The finding are then sent to the registry, certificates issued and finding published.
PRA...Progressive Retinal Atrophy
http://www.optigen.com/opt9_test_prcd_pra.html
The genetic disorder, prcd-PRA , causes cells in the retina at the back of the eye to degenerate and die, even though the cells seem to develop normally early in life. The “rod” cells operate in low light levels and are the first to lose normal function. Night blindness results. Then the “cone” cells gradually lose their normal function in full light situations. Most affected dogs will eventually be blind. Typically, the clinical disease is recognized first in early adolescence or early adulthood. Since age at onset of disease varies among breeds, you should read specific information for your dog. Diagnosis of retinal disease can be difficult. Conditions that seem to be prcd-PRA might instead be another disease and might not be inherited. OptiGen’s genetic test assists in making the diagnosis. It’s important to remember that not all retinal disease is PRA and not all PRA is the prcd form of PRA. Annual eye exams by a veterinary ophthalmologist will build a history of eye health that will help to diagnose disease.
Unfortunately, at this time there is no treatment or cure for PRA. Prcd-PRA is inherited as a recessive trait. This means a disease gene must be inherited from each parent in order to cause disease in an offspring. Parents were either “carrier” or affected. A carrier has one disease gene and one normal gene, and is termed “heterozygous” for the disease. A normal dog has no disease gene and is termed “homozygous normal” – both copies of the gene are the same. And a dog with two disease genes is termed “homozygous affected” – both copies of the gene are abnormal.
It’s been proven that all breeds being tested for prcd-PRA have the same disease caused by the same mutated gene. This is so, even though the disease might develop at different ages or with differing severity from one breed to another.
Although prcd-PRA is inherited, it can be avoided in future generations by testing dogs before breeding. Identification of dogs that do not carry disease genes is the key. These "clear" dogs can be bred to any mate - even to a prcd-affected dog which may be a desirable breeding prospect for other reasons. The chance of producing affected pups from such breedings depends on the certainty of test results. Again, you’ll find the specific information on certainty of test results for your dog by linking to breed specific information.
Normal/Clear-Can be bred to any dog, extremely low risk of producing affecteds
Carrier- Should be bred only to Normal/Clear to remove risk of producing affecteds, if this is done the risk of producing affecteds is extremely low
Affected- Should be bred only to Normal/Clear to remove risk of producing affecteds, the risk of priducing affecteds us very high
***WE WILL NOT BREED ANY DOG THAT IS AFFECTED***
Unfortunately, at this time there is no treatment or cure for PRA. Prcd-PRA is inherited as a recessive trait. This means a disease gene must be inherited from each parent in order to cause disease in an offspring. Parents were either “carrier” or affected. A carrier has one disease gene and one normal gene, and is termed “heterozygous” for the disease. A normal dog has no disease gene and is termed “homozygous normal” – both copies of the gene are the same. And a dog with two disease genes is termed “homozygous affected” – both copies of the gene are abnormal.
It’s been proven that all breeds being tested for prcd-PRA have the same disease caused by the same mutated gene. This is so, even though the disease might develop at different ages or with differing severity from one breed to another.
Although prcd-PRA is inherited, it can be avoided in future generations by testing dogs before breeding. Identification of dogs that do not carry disease genes is the key. These "clear" dogs can be bred to any mate - even to a prcd-affected dog which may be a desirable breeding prospect for other reasons. The chance of producing affected pups from such breedings depends on the certainty of test results. Again, you’ll find the specific information on certainty of test results for your dog by linking to breed specific information.
Normal/Clear-Can be bred to any dog, extremely low risk of producing affecteds
Carrier- Should be bred only to Normal/Clear to remove risk of producing affecteds, if this is done the risk of producing affecteds is extremely low
Affected- Should be bred only to Normal/Clear to remove risk of producing affecteds, the risk of priducing affecteds us very high
***WE WILL NOT BREED ANY DOG THAT IS AFFECTED***
MDR1...Multi-Drug Resistance 1
http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-VCPL/index.aspx
Many herding breed dogs have a genetic predisposition to adverse drug reactions involving over a dozen different drugs. The most serious adverse drug reactions involve several antiparasitic agents (ivermectin, milbemycin and related drugs), the antidiarrheal agent loperamide (Imodium), and several anticancer drugs (vincristine, doxorubicin, others). These drug sensitivities result from a mutation in the multidrug resistance gene (MDR1 gene). At Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine you can test your dog for multidrug sensitivity and prevent serious adverse drug reactions. We can work with your dog’s veterinarian to find appropriate drug doses or alternative drugs for your dog based on results of MDR1 testing.
Normal/Normal - These dogs do not carry the mutation, and will not pass on the mutation to their offspring.
Mutant/Normal - These dogs carry the mutation and may pass on the mutant gene to their offspring
Mutant/Mutant - These dogs carry the mutation and will pass on the mutant gene to their offspring.
Normal/Normal - These dogs do not carry the mutation, and will not pass on the mutation to their offspring.
Mutant/Normal - These dogs carry the mutation and may pass on the mutant gene to their offspring
Mutant/Mutant - These dogs carry the mutation and will pass on the mutant gene to their offspring.
OFA
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
http://www.offa.org/hd_grades.html
This is a test to check for hip dysplasia and elbow deformities. When a dog reaches 2 years of age, an X-Ray is taken (by the vet) of the hips and elbows. The X-ray is then sent off to be evaluated and rated. The dog will be given a rating of poor, fair, good or excellent.
***WE WILL NOT BREED ANY DOG THAT DOES NOT RATE GOOD OR EXCELLENT***
***WE WILL NOT BREED ANY DOG THAT DOES NOT RATE GOOD OR EXCELLENT***
PennHip
http://info.antechimagingservices.com/pennhip/
We are in the process of moving towards using PennHip for testing of our dogs' hips. The benefit of Penn Hip is that a dog can be tested at a much younger age and the testing is much more scientific.
http://info.antechimagingservices.com/pennhip/files/AIS_PennHIP_Brochure_2015.pdf
http://info.antechimagingservices.com/pennhip/
We are in the process of moving towards using PennHip for testing of our dogs' hips. The benefit of Penn Hip is that a dog can be tested at a much younger age and the testing is much more scientific.
http://info.antechimagingservices.com/pennhip/files/AIS_PennHIP_Brochure_2015.pdf
