New DNA Testing Scheme For Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens Approved By The Kennel Club

The Kennel Club has approved a new official DNA testing scheme for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) in the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, following consultation with the health coordinator for the breed.

The Animal Health Trust launched a new DNA test for the genetic mutation which causes POAG, at Crufts 2015, after it was developed by the Kennel Club Genetics Centre at the Animal Health Trust and the Kennel Club has now approved an official scheme for the results to be recorded.

This test is offered by the AHT and all future results will be sent directly to the Kennel Club.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “We constantly review DNA testing schemes in conjunction with breed clubs to ensure that breeders are able to continue breeding healthy dogs.

“We are pleased to announce this new DNA test for the PBGV breed, which will help breeders make informed decisions when it comes to breeding, enable potential puppy buyers to be aware of issues which could affect their chosen breed, and ultimately protect and maintain the health of the breed.

“The Kennel Club continues to work alongside breed clubs and breed health coordinators, in a collaborative effort to improve the health of pedigree dogs and we are happy to accommodate a club’s request to add a new DNA test to its lists. We would normally need a formal request from the breed’s health coordinator or a majority request from the breed clubs in order to do this.”

Dr Cathryn Mellersh, Head of the Kennel Club Genetics Centre at the Animal Health Trust, added: “We’re incredibly pleased to be able to offer this new test and that the Kennel Club has taken swift action in approving an official testing scheme for this painful and blinding condition.

“A lot of hard work went into collecting the samples and identifying the mutation, none of which would have been possible without the continued support of the Basset Griffon Vendéen Club. As there is no clinical test available to screen these dogs for POAG prior to the onset of the disease, it has been challenging for breeders to control.

“Now, any Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen can have the non-invasive DNA test, collected via a simple cheek swab, giving the owner peace of mind about both the dog’s eye health and if it is a carrier of the genetic mutation. Hopefully, with responsible DNA testing and breeding, we will be able to eradicate this painful and blinding condition from the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen population.”

Test results from the AHT will be added to the dog’s registration details which will trigger the publication of the result in the next available Breed Records Supplement. The result will appear on any new registration certificate issued for the dog and on the registration certificates of any future progeny of the dog, and also on the Health Test Results Finder on the Kennel Club website.  Results for dogs already tested can also be recorded, but owners will need to submit copies of the DNA certificates themselves.

If the owner includes the original registration certificate for the dog (not a copy) then a new registration certificate will be issued, with the DNA result on it, free of charge.  Please send any DNA test certificates to Health & Breeder Services, The Kennel Club, 1 – 5 Clarges Street, Piccadilly, London, W1J 8AB or scan and email copies of the certificates to hbs@thekennelclub.org.uk.

Short URL: http://caninechronicle.com/?p=73892

Posted by chesliepickett on Mar 24 2015. Filed under World News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.