The
Latest in Collie Health Testing
What a wonderful and
exciting time to be breeding dogs! Within the last couple of years,
great advances have been made in the area of health screening
tools or DNA tests.
Per the new Oxford dictionary,
DNA means "the carrier of genetic information." Every
dog's DNA is unique unto himself - it is his genetic blueprint
or his genetic code.
Some of the current DNA tests available for Collies:
1) Drug Sensitivity
Test- Due to a mutation in the multi-drug resistance gene
(mdr1), some Collies have been known to have sensitivities to
certain pharmaceuticals. For a nominal fee, Collies can now be
tested for this sensitivity. No special training is required to
collect the sample, obtained by brushing cells from the inside
of the cheek. For more information, see Washington
State University's website:
2) There's a new DNA test for "Gray Collie Syndrome"
or as it's officially known......Canine Cyclic Neutropenia.
A blood disorder that is present at birth, Gray Collies have been
documented in many different bloodlines for more than 60 years
and coincidentally the disease is also present in humans. Both
sire and dam need to be carriers in order for the gene to present
itself (autosomal recessive). However, it should be noted that
carriers do not manifest the disease. A nominal fee is charged
and the test requires a blood draw. Please see the HealthGene
website for
information on testing your Collie:
3) The
OptiGen Company
now offers a genetic test for Collie Eye Anomaly/Choroidal
Hypoplasia. This genetic test can distinguish all three genetic
states - normal, carrier and affected. This test also requires
a blood draw done by a Veterinarian. By the way, this test should
not take the place of annual eye exams....nor does it provide
information on a dog's PRA or coloboma status
4) Canine Coat
Color test - DNA testing for the "a" alleles in
Collies that are sable or tricolor allows breeders to better predict
the colors of pups from particular breedings. This test can be
a blood draw or cheek swab. Check the Healthgene
website for
more information!
Researchers not only rely on dollars to finance their work, but
they also need participation in their projects. So far DNA testing
has not been forthcoming in some of the major health problems,
but there are several projects in the works.
Some current research
projects include:
1) Healthgene is researching epilepsy in Collies.
Requires a blood draw of affected dogs.
2) The
Canine Epilepsy Network
- The Canine Epilepsy Project is a collaborative study into the
causes of epilepsy in dogs. "Researchers need DNA samples
from dogs that have experienced seizures, and immediate relatives,
both normal and affected. If the affected dog has been bred, all
offspring and mates should be sampled as well." Please e-mail:
HansenL@missouri.edu
3) Dermatomyositis
(DM) is a devastating, inherited, inflammatory disease of the
skin and/or muscle. Texas A&M is seeking DNA from both normal
and affected Collies. Please email Dr. Rees: crees@cvm.tamu.edu for more information on participating.
4) Progressive
Retinal Atrophy - Michigan State University is seeking DNA
samples of infected Collies and their close relatives. Blood samples
are preferred, but cheek swabs will also be accepted. Contact
Dr. Simon Petersen-Jones, Michigan State University, (517) 353-3278.
Also researching
PRA in Collies is Dr. Greg Acland of Cornell University
and he too is very close to finding the DNA marker for PRA. For
more information contact: Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell
University, (607) 256-5600
Hopefully the
years to come will bring even more available DNA tests and other
reliable health screening tools. Please support these research
projects because every test discovered will not only greatly benefit
our breed, but will make each and every breeder's job easier!
If anyone would like more information on any of these projects,
drop me an email!
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