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| Volume 3, Issue 3 |
International Parti Poodle Gazette |
July 2007 |
POODLE EYES – OPTI-GEN AND CERF
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Opti-Gen DNA test for prcd PRA
One genetic test available for the prcd (progressive rod-cone degeneration) for PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) is the Opti-Gen test. Prcd is inherited as a recessive trait, meaning both parents must carry and pass on the gene for pups to be affected. It results in night blindness early in life, then progresses to total blindness in nearly all cases.
It can affect Toy and Miniature Poodles. Are Standards “safe”? Due to inter-variety breeding, the answer is no. If your Standard Poodle is the result of a Miniature-Standard cross, for example, or has any Toy or Miniature Poodles in the pedigree, this test is recommended before breeding. The prcd form of PRA causes an estimated 75 percent or more of the PRA cases in Toys and Miniatures. However, there is at least one other form of PRA. If your Poodle has been diagnosed with PRA, Opt-Gen will do the genetic test to determine if it is the prcd form of PRA at no charge.
The value of a true genetic test cannot be overstated. In the case of prcd-PRA, a Poodle will be determined to be clear, a carrier, or affected. A DNA tested clear Poodle can be safely bred to any status Poodle – even a PRA-affected one, should that affected individual offer traits vital to your long term breeding goals. One clear parent is a guarantee the resulting pups will not be affected by prcd-PRA. If the other parent is affected, all pups will be carriers, but none will be affected (none will become blind). If the other parent is a carrier, the pups will have to be genetically tested to determine if they are clear or carriers. Tests can be completed using either a blood sample or a cheek swab.
For further information, instructions, costs, forms, and availability of Opti-Gen testing worldwide, see:
http://www.optigen.com/
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Eye examinations – Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
Many heritable eye problems can affect all varieties of Poodles. In
order to substantially reduce the chances of producing heritable eye
conditions in your puppies, all breeding stock should be examined by
a member of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (A.C.V.O.)
on an annual basis. CERF’s requirement that an A.C.V.O. diplomat
perform the examination assures that uniform standards are upheld
for certification. Should a particular eye disease be discovered,
breeding advice will be offered based on guidelines established for
the particular breed by the Genetics Committee of the A.C.V.O.
For further information, see:
http://www.vmdb.org/cerf.html
The importance of availing oneself of all health screening and DNA
testing prior to breeding is obvious to breeders who truly care
about the quality of the breed AND the quality of life of the
puppies they produce. It follows that the hard decisions must be
made should screenings turn up the potential for producing health
problems in subsequent generations.
Genetic test for Juvenile Renal Disease
As of March, 2007, Dogenes, Inc. offers a genetic/DNA test for
Juvenile Renal Disease (JRD) also known as renal dysplasia, a
disease affecting Standard Poodles. JRD affected Poodles are usually
diagnosed by age two, and die before they are three. As with the
prcd form of PRA, both parents must carry one copy of the gene and
pass it on to a pup for the pup to be affected. By knowing the
status of your Poodle, and the Poodle to whom you contemplate
breeding, you can now be assured you will never produce a JRD
affected puppy. For further information:
http://www.dogenes.com/