LoveJoy Aussie Shepherds

LoveJoy Aussie Shepherds conducts 10 additional tests available for the Australian Shepherd.

CEA

Genetic Test

Canine/Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), also known as ‘Choroidal Hypoplasia’ (CH), is a genetic disease affecting the retina. It varies in severity but can cause blindness. The gene responsible has been found in many Collie breeds, so while breeders can perform a DNA test for CEA, it is still recommended to pair this with an Eye Certificate from a veterinary opthalmologist.

CMR

Genetic Test

Canine Multifocal Retinopathy (CMR) is a genetic disorder causing local detachment of the retina in young dogs. It does not always cause impaired vision or blindness but can in severe cases. There are three types of CMR affecting different breeds. A DNA test is available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this condition.

Cone Degeneration

Genetic Test

Cone degeneration is a genetic eye disease that results in ‘day blindness’, extreme sensitivity to light, and poor vision. The condition begins in puppies and gradually worsens as they get older. There are various types of cone degeneration in the dog, including Achromatopsia. There is a DNA test available in certain breeds to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this condition.

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

Genetic Test

This is a disease affecting the spinal cord of older dogs, initially causing wobbliness and eventually hindlimb paralysis. It can affect a wide range of breeds. There is now a DNA test that can indicated if a breeding dog is carrying this disease.

Dermatomyositis

Genetic Test

This is a genetic disease affecting the skin, muscles and blood vessels. It can occur in various Collie breeds. There is a DNA "risk assessment" test available to determine if a breeding dog is low, moderate or high risk, to help breeders with breed pairings and matings.

HC

Genetic Test

Hereditary Cataracts (HC) is a genetic form of cataracts. There is a DNA test available in some breeds to indicated whether a breeding dog is carrying this disease.

HUU

Genetic Test

Hyperuricosuria (HUU) is a genetic disease that causes a build-up of uric acid in the urine, predisposing to painful bladder and kidney stones. It can occur in a range of breeds. There is a DNA test available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this disease.

MDR1

Genetic Test

The MDR-1 gene (Multi-drug Resistance Gene 1) is responsible for producing proteins that protect the brain from harmful chemicals. Some breeds have a mutation in this gene resulting in them being dangerously sensitive to certain chemicals and drugs. It is recommended to test these breeding dogs for the MDR-1 mutation, so they do not pass on the sensitivity to their puppies.

NCL

Genetic Test

Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL) is a neurodegenerative disorder found in many breeds of dog. 7 varieties have been identified so far, affecting different breeds. There are DNA tests for each type, to identify whether a breeding dog might be carrying this condition.

PRA

Genetic Test

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) in dogs is a type of genetic eye disease causing deterioration of the retina and eventually, blindness. There are a variety of sub-types of PRA, which can occur in various breeds. There are various DNA tests available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this condition.