Merriweather Golden Retrievers

Merriweather Golden Retrievers conducts 8 additional tests available for the Golden Retriever.

Congenital Eye Malformation

Genetic Test

Congenital eye malformations in Golden Retrievers result from a mutation of the SIX6 gene. These malformations can present as a range of different eye conditions, ranging from poor vision to blindness in one or both eyes. There is a DNA test available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying the affected gene.

DEB

Genetic Test

Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) is a congenital skin disease that causes fragile skin, blisters, ulceration, and skin scarring. There is a DNA test available to identify if 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.

Ichthyosis

Genetic Test

This is a serious genetic skin disease that causes flaky dry skin and footpad problems. It can occur in many breeds but is fairly common in Golden Retrievers. There is a DNA test to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this disease and could pass it on 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.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI)

Genetic Test

Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), also known as ‘brittle bone disease’, is an inherited disease in both humans and animals, causing bone fragility and fracturing. As it is a genetic disease, breeding parents can be tested to ensure it is not passed onto their puppies.

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.

Skeletal Dysplasia

Genetic Test

Skeletal Dysplasia is an inherited form of dwarfism which causes the leg bones to grow much shorter than is proportional for the body. Affected legs will be short and slightly bowed outwards. Often the forelimbs are more affected than the hindlimbs, which can make the condition more difficult to spot in subtle cases. There is a DNA test available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this condition.