At our February AGM, members supported a recommendation that breeders use the PRA rdc-4 genetic test and that we look at continuing earlier work we did by funding free eye testing for our older dogs and sending swabs to the Kennel Club Genetics Centre at the University of Cambridge. Jim Sibley, our Health Officer, wrote to Dr Cathryn Mellersh for guidance on what we needed to do to move forward. 

Dr Bryan McLaughlin, who is employed directly by the Kennel Club and participates in their health group meetings responded “Having briefly looked again today at the results we generated, the cases were mostly concordant with the genotype. Given the late onset nature of RCD4 and the fact that many other forms of canine PRA exist, sometimes with multiple forms affecting a single breed, plus the visual problems now being reported in older dogs, then I think it’s very sensible recommending this assay to your membership. More relevant data pertaining to the phenotype and genotype is ideally needed, and more regular DNA testing, eye reports and health surveys will bolster information collected to date. I’ve discussed this with Cathryn, and the approach you’re taking is positive for the breed and likely the best way forward. 

We could try and generate more data, but given the small numerical size of the breed this isn’t really feasible and could take years. We do know that this variant is common in the breed, and it has been shown to cause (very) late-onset PRA in Gordon setter’s, so the testing service CAGT (Canine Genetic Testing | Reliable DNA testing for dog breeders. (cagt.co.uk)) would gladly offer the RCD4 assay for Polish Lowland sheepdogs”. 

 

Research submissions from clinically affected dogs with confirmation of PRA from a veterinary ophthalmologist would be welcomed, and would be tested at Cambridge for free so if you suspect that your older PON maybe having some sight problems, please get in touch with Jim. It may just be an age-related degeneration or it may be PRA, in which case, we would fund a specialist eye diagnosis and then ask you to take a cheek swab for DNA and submit it to Cambridge for analysis, there would be no cost to owners and the Club would provide you with a swab kit.

The PON has now been added to the list of breeds for the RCD4 test (Progressive Retinal Atrophy (RCD4 type) in the Gordon Setter (cagt.co.uk)). 

If you have any concerns at all about the health of your PON or just need some advice and support, please do get in touch.  Email our Health Officer Terrie at polishlowlands@gmail.com