L2 - HGA (Metabolic Defect)

Thought you may all be interested to know that just this week the animal Health Trust has discovered a genetic DNA test to identify the carriers of the neurological problem L2-HGA. Up until now it has only been possible to identify affected dogs but with the ability now to identify the carriers it will be possible to totally eradicate the problem with responsible breeding. Lesley McFadyen has spoken to Cathryn Mellersh at the AHT last week and has been told that she (Catherine Mellersh) feels from her research that the problem is a lot more widespread within the breed than has been first thought.

Those people that submitted samples from their dogs for the research will be able to get their results for the carrier testing by writing to Vikki Lett, Genetic Services, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU. They will need to supply the dog's pet name, KC registered name and KC registration number, as well as a microchip number if the dog is chipped and it will cost £5 per dog (cheques payable to the Animal Health Trust). Anyone who hasn't had their dogs tested but want now to take the opportunity for testing can download the appropriate form from the AHT website at http://www.aht.org.uk/pdf/sbtL2HGAform.pdf or by contacting Vikki for forms. The cost for the whole service will be £60 per dog.

Information about the testing can be found at http://www.aht.org.uk/sci_diag_disc_genetic_l2.html

The Animal Health Trust has this week notified the dog press and also the Breed Clubs.

This new discovery will mean that identified carriers can now breed on to clear dogs without fear of producing affected puppies. For those that don't know the gene that causes the problem is auto-somnal recessive which means both parents have to be carriers to produce the problem. It is the same mode of inheritence as HC.