Lyngar Kennel 

 

PWD - Hereditary Health Testing

 

Optigen Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): PRA is a group of inherited diseases that cause irreversible degeneration of the retina and eventually cause blindness. Prcd (progressive rod-cone degeneration) is the only form of PRA known to affect Portuguese Water Dogs at this time.PRA was first reported in the Portuguese Water Dog in 1990. Since that time the PWDCA and their members have supported the research work of Dr. Gustavo Aguirre and Dr. Greg Acland and their associates at the University of Pennsylvania. Their research has developed a DNA marker based test to identify dogs that are either normal, carriers or affected. The current test for prcd is available from OptiGen. Please visit www.optigen.com for more information.

 

Improper Coat (IC13) Test (Optigen PRA): Improper Coat (IC) in the Portuguese Water Dog (PWD) is an autosomal recessive inherited trait that causes a significant change in the PWD coat. One of the breed’s most striking and valuable characteristics is its unique coat. As defined by the breed standard, it should be: “A profuse, thickly planted coat of strong, healthy hair, covering the whole body evenly, except where the forearm meets the brisket and in the groin area, where it is thinner.” In addition to its pleasing appearance, the coat of the PWD is highly prized because it does not shed, thus making the breed an excellent choice for people who are allergic to dogs. PWDs with IC would hardly be recognized as members of the same breed as those bearing proper coats. The hair on the IC dog’s face, head, muzzle and legs is short and lays flat against the skin, giving the dog an appearance somewhat akin to that of a border collie or a flat coated retriever. Perhaps most importantly, the IC dogs are prone to shedding, greatly reducing the value of these dogs.

 

CERF: (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) All breeding dogs should have an annual CERF examination. CERF adopted a policy that a permanent identification in the form of DNA profile, microchip or tattoo will be needed for any dog to be registered.

 

GM-1 Storage Disease: Storage Disease (GM1 gangliosidosis) is a recessive, genetic disorder. It is produced only when two carriers are bred together. The disorder is caused by a lack of an enzyme that allows the build up of toxic substances in the nerve cells. It is fatal to affected puppies.

 

JDCM: The PWDCA Heart Committee is concerned with any health condition involving the heart and circulatory system of PWD's. Currently the most critical issue facing Portuguese Water Dogs is Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy, JDCM. This is a recessively inherited disease which causes sudden death in puppies between the ages of five weeks and seven months. At this time, there is no cure and no way to determine if a puppy will be affected with the disease. The only way for breeders to prevent producing affected puppies is to avoid breeding carriers of the gene. The only way to know who the carriers are is for owners and breeders to come forward with the names of dogs who have produced puppies who have died of the disease.

 

OFFA (Orthopedic): Although individual Portuguese Water Dogs can be afflicted with various orthopedic problems, the primary disease condition affecting the breed is CHD, or Canine Hip Dysplasia. CHD is a common canine inherited condition that is not apparent at birth, in which there is irregular development of the hip joint as the dog grows. This results in a poorly fitting ball and socket, which with even normal activity tends to develop degenerative joint disease over time. CHD is a complex disease and it is believed that several genes are probably responsible. None of these have yet been identified and the only way to diagnose the disease is by examining radiographs of the hip joints. Many researchers believe the main contributors to hip dysplasia are joint laxity (or looseness) and a shallow acetabulum (or socket). Environmental influences can affect the expression of the disease. There can be a wide range of outcomes for the dog afflicted with CHD: some diagnosed by routine radiographs live normal lives and never develop clinical symptoms, where others are so uncomfortable or incapacitated that they require surgery. There are a number of things owners can do to help the PWD with CHD live as comfortably as possible. These include keeping weight off, regular moderate exercise, medical management, and in some cases surgery. All cases need to be looked at on an individual basis.