Overview
A number of tests are available for Tibetan Terriers. Two or more of these tests purchased as part of this bundle will be discounted.
- Degenerative Myelopathy associated with the SOD1 gene
- Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (Tibetan Terrier type)
- Pituitary Dwarfism associated with the LHX3 gene
- Primary Lens Luxation
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (RCD4 type)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy associated with the FAM161A gene
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy associated with the PRCD gene
Degenerative Myelopathy
Important: Degenerative Myelopathy is a rare disease that presents most commonly in German Shepherd Dogs and Boxers, sporadically in Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Cardigan Welsh Corgis, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Borzoi and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. It is rarely diagnosed in other breeds or mixed-breed dogs. DM is considered genetically complex and will have more than one contributing genetic variant. The variant targeted by this test is widespread and found in more than 120 breeds. However, association of the variant with the disease has only been shown in very few breeds and should never be used to inform breeding decisions, except where close relatives have been clinically diagnosed.
Canine degenerative myelopathy (previously also known as chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy) is a progressive disease of the spinal cord in older dogs. Most dogs are at least 8 years old before clinical become apparent. DM usually starts with a muscle weakness, loss of muscle and loss of coordination (ataxia) in the hind limbs. Progression is generally quote slow, but dogs will eventually be crippled within approximately 3 years of the onset of disease.
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (Tibetan Terrier type)
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterised by brain and retinal atrophy. The lipopygment lipofuscin builds up in the neural cells and some organs, such as liver, spleen, kidneys etc. This storage causes neuronal loss, cortical atrophy, and cerebellar and retinal degeneration. The result is seizures, progressive deterioration of cognition (dementia), motor function impairment (involuntary movements, myoclonus, ataxia, spasticity) and blindness. NCL in Tibetan Terriers is caused by the ATP13A2 gene and has a late age of onset, appearing at 5-7 years.
Pituitary Dwarfism
Pituitary dwarfism in dogs is a congenital condition caused by a deficiency of growth hormone. Dogs affected by this condition have underdeveloped pituitary glands, which leads to a lack of multiple hormones necessary for proper growth and development. Although affected dogs appear normal at birth, they begin to show signs of growth failure around two to three months of age and never reach their normal adult size. In addition to growth deficiencies, these dogs exhibit distinct characteristics such as retaining their soft, puppy-like coat and a failure to grow primary guard hairs. They often experience various skin abnormalities like scaling, bacterial skin infections, and hyperpigmentation. By the time they reach 3 to 5 years of age, affected dogs may develop severe hair loss on their trunk, neck, and limbs (alopecia) and may also suffer from complications including mental dullness and kidney disease. If left untreated, affected dogs typically have a significantly shortened lifespan and may die or need to be euthanized by the age of 5 due to concerns about their quality of life.
If left untreated, their lifespan is significantly shortened and dogs are often euthanised.
Primary Lens Luxation
Primary lens luxation (PLL) is a painful and potentially blinding inherited eye disease. It typically affects dogs between 3 and 8 years of age and in many breeds is caused by a single nucleotide substitution in the ADAMTS17 gene.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (FAM161A-type)
This form of progressive retinal atrophy in the Tibetan Terrier is caused by the same mutation in a gene called FAM161A that was originally described in Tibetan Spaniels.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRCD type)
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Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is the most common form of inherited disease affecting the retina in dogs. Genetically different forms of PRA, caused by mutations in different genes, affect many breeds of dog with each form usually affecting one or a small number of breeds. PRA is characterised by progressive degeneration of the retina at the back of the eye and leads to vision loss and blindness.
Progressive Rod Cone Degeneration (PRCD) is a form of PRA and was one of the first PRAs for which a genetic variant was identified. PRCD is different than most forms of PRA in that the variant has been found in a large number and diverse range of breeds.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (RCD4 type)
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is the most common form of inherited disease affecting the retina in dogs; the retina detects light and sends images to the brain. Progressive degeneration of the retina at the back of the eye is characteristic of PRA. This degeneration leads to vision loss and blindness, but is not painful to dogs. The first signs of the disease tend to be bumping in to objects, such as a piece of furniture that has been moved. Mutations in different genes cause genetically different forms of PRA. It affects many different breeds of dog , but each genetically distinct form usually affects one or a small number of breeds. This form of progressive retinal atrophy in the Tibetan Terrier is caused by the same mutation in a gene called PCARE (previously known as C2ORF71) that was originally described in Gordon Setters.
