As we all know, all dog breeds are prone to some illnesses that are genetically transmited, so the best option to avoid them is to test you dog if you are not aware of the health results of the dogs in your dogs pedigree. In this topic, I would shortly describe the most common diseases that are being tested nowadays. 1. PRA or Progressive Retinal Atrophy 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. Moderator edit to add source of the above material: http://www.optigen.com/opt9_test_prcd_pra.html 2. EIC or Exercise Induced Collapse The syndrome of exercise intolerance and collapse (EIC) is a common inherited disorder in Labrador Retrievers. Black, yellow and chocolate Labradors of both sexes are affected, with the distribution of colors and sexes closely reflecting the typical distribution in field trials (black males most common). Signs first become apparent in young dogs - usually between 5 months and 3 years of age (average 14 months). In dogs used for field trials, this usually coincides with the age at which they enter heavy training. Littermates and other related dogs are commonly affected but depending on their temperament and lifestyle they may or may not manifest symptoms. Affected dogs exhibiting symptoms of collapse are usually described as being extremely fit, muscular, prime athletic specimens of their breed with an excitable temperament and lots of drive. Moderator edit to add source of the above material: http://www.cvm.umn.edu/vdl/services...d-collapse-eic/more-eic-information/index.htm 3. CNM or Centronuclear Myopathy Centronuclear myopathy (CNM) is a naturally occurring, hereditary myopathy of Labrador Retrievers resulting from a mutation in the protein tyrosine phosphatase-like member A gene (PTPLA). This condition is also known as: type II muscle fiber deficiency, autosomal recessive muscular dystrophy and hereditary myopathy. The disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion with both sexes being equally affected. CNM typically manifests in puppies at 2-5 months. Signs of CNM include: generalized loss of muscle tone and control, exercise intolerance and an awkward gait. Moderator edit to add source of the above material: https://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/services/dog/CNMLabrador.php Something that is new,but not so scary is: HNPK orHereditary Nasal Parakeratosis HNPK is an inherited skin disorder observed in Labrador Retrievers. The first symptoms of hyperparakeratosis appear at the age of six months to one year of age and present as crusty scales on the nose pad. Occasionally painful fissures may also occur, leading to chronic irritation and inflammation of nasal skin. Although the disease is not life-threatening, it is persistent and requires continuous application of moisturizing agents and antibiotics to the afflicted dog’s nose to alleviate symptoms. Moderator edit to add source of the above material: http://www.optigen.com/opt9_hnpk_test.html I wont comment Hip and Elbow dysplasia here,because even though they are genetically connected, they can show up, because of many other reasons. Last think I heard is that scientists are looking for the gene that is directly connected to this disease and maybe in near future dogs can be tested for this like for the other ones. My question is, do you test your dogs, or do you know your pedigree and the health results of those dogs. If you havent tested, do you consider doing this before you plan a litter with your girl or maybe offering your boy as a stud ect.
I had Lucan tested for EIC last year as he has been known to collapse on the odd occasion while exercising hard. I did it for my own piece of mind as I have no intention of breeding from him. I was highly suspicious he may have it because of his pedigree full of FTCHs and him fitting the description of the muscular, fit, athletic dog to a tee. Thankfully his result came back clear.
An interesting quote from a 2015 study by the International Veterinary Epilepsy Taskforce - "Several studies suggest the existence of another and “DNM-1-independent” EIC condition in Labrador Retrievers, as some of the EIC-affected Labrador Retrievers are negative or heterozygous for the DNM1-gene mutation (approximately 15–30 % of EIC affected Labrador Retriever) [97, 98]. Hence, two distinct terms have gained acceptance for Labrador Retrievers: d-EIC (homozygous DNM1-gene mutation) and non-d-EIC (negative or heterozygous for the DNM1-gene mutation) [30, 97, 98]. Apart from a suspected diverse genetic background for the latter two EIC types, clinical differences between d-EIC and non-d-EIC have been observed"
