oated Wheaten Terriers.
Although progress is being made, waiting for DNA testing to become readily available is not a feasible solution to the problems of many genetic diseases. Selectively breeding away from carriers now is the only responsible action. In some instances, careful breeders have succeeded in largely eradicating some genetic disorders from their breeds. Success depends on a number of factors. Every puppy buyer must be encouraged to report any major illness back to the breeder. Breeders must have a clear understanding of the modes of transmission of genetic disorders that affect their breeds. Known carriers as well as possible carriers, (littermates and offspring of those discovered to be carriers) must be conscientiously kept out of the gene pool, or used very judiciously. A method of communication among breeders must be established.
Clearly, an open registry such as the open registry begun in July, l992 for Sebaceous Adenitis (SA) in Standard Poodles (this disease also occurs in other breeds) is an important step forward and an invaluable resource. Open registries as well as research databases in many canine diseases are being established at the Genetic Disease Control For Animals (GDC) in Davis, California. In Europe, open registries have made it possible for careful breeders to greatly reduce the number of cases of some genetic disorders.
An open registry would include the names of carriers of the disease as well as the names of dogs who are clear, those who when bred to a carrier did not produce any cases of the disease in a litter of significant size. Obviously, the early onset of Juvenile Renal Disease allows carriers to be identified much sooner than does a disease which manifests itself later in life.
Kruger, J.M., Osborne, C.A., et al. : Congenital and Hereditary Disorders of the Kidney. Veterinary Pediatrics Dogs & Cats from Birth to Six Months., 2nd edition. (J.D. Hoskins, ed.) W.B.Saunders, Philadelphia, Pa, 1995: pp 401-406.
DiBartola Stephen P. et al: Familial Renal disease in Dogs and Cats. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine. (S.J. Ettinger, & E.C. Feldman, ed) W.B. Saunders, Philadelphia, Pa. 1995:pp 1796-1801.
Willis, Malcolm B: Genetics of the Dog. Howell Book House, New York, NY, 1989;p 356.
GDC, P.O. Box 222, Davis CA 95617. telephone or fax 419 735-5818
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