TIBETAN  TERRIER  HEALTH

There are no laws in place governing the health tests that breeders carry out. However, I would encourage you to purchase puppies from adults that have had all appropriate health testing i.e. AHT Genetic Test for PLL,  AHT or OFA Genetic Test for NCL, Yearly BVA (KC) Certified Eye Examinations, and Certified  Hip-Scoring under the BVA (KC) Scheme.     DNA profiles are also available to breeders through the K C.

DNA tests are available through  http://www.ahtdnatesting.co.uk from 21st May, 2012 where cheek swab sampling kits can be ordered.

Wednesday 8th May 2013

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) In Tibetan Terriers

Geneticists at the Kennel Club Genetics Centre at the Animal Health Trust have discovered a mutation that causes a form of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in Tibetan Terriers. We are calling this form of the disease PRA3 to distinguish it from other, genetically distinct, forms of PRA that are caused by different mutations, including the previously reported RCD4 mutation that is also known to cause PRA in some Tibetan Terriers. Together the PRA3 and RCD4 mutations account for approximately half of Tibetan Terrier PRA cases that we investigated during our research, although the number of samples from dogs with PRA was small and these proportions might not be representative of the wider population. During the latter half of 2013 the AHT will collaborate with the Kennel Club (KC) to screen a random subset of KC registered Tibetan Terriers to determine the frequency of both mutations more accurately. The mutation(s) that cause PRA in the other affected Tibetan Terriers remain(s) unknown and cannot therefore be detected by any DNA test at present.

As for RCD4, the PRA3 mutation is recessive, meaning a dog needs to inherit two copies of the mutation to be clinically affected with PRA. PRA3 is a late-onset condition and clinical signs can usually be detected by an ophthalmologist from 4-7 years of age. The onset of RCD4 is variable, but is usually around 10 years of age. Any Tibetan terrier that has 2 copies of either the PRA-3 or RCD4 mutation will develop PRA, assuming it lives long enough to do so.

A DNA test for PRA3 will become available from the Animal Health Trust July 8th 2013

Full details will be made available on our website shortly:

http://www.aht.org.uk/cms-display/genetics_tests.html

3rd May 2013 IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FROM ANIMAL HEALTH TRUST REGARDING PRA from Cathryn Mellersh PhD Head of Canine Genetics New PRA DNA Test Available to Tibetan Terriers from 8th July, 2013 http://www.ahtdnatesting.co.uk I am very pleased to be able to tell you that geneticists from the Kennel Club Genetics Centre at the Animal Health Trust have identified a mutation that causes progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in the Tibetan Spaniel and Tibetan Terrier. A DNA test based on this mutation will become available July 8th 2013. The mutation was identified by Louise Downs, as part of her PhD studies, and represents the culmination of over a decade of investigation by Louise and other members of the research team into this condition. There are many people I would like to thank for their contributions towards this success, including all the owners and ophthalmologists who have contributed DNA and information from their dogs & patients to the project and the PetPlan Charitable Trust, the Kennel Club Charitable Trust and all the Breed Clubs and individuals who have supported the research financially.

YOUR FITNESS PROGRAM

You've seen those ads on TV promising amazing results from all sorts of contraptions. Well, there's no need to invest in fancy equipment. If you have a dog, you have everything you need to get in shape now!!! The following exercises can be done anywhere, anytime.

Inner Thighs: Place the dog's favourite toy between thighs. Press tighter than the dog can pull. Do not attempt bare legged - dogs who favour shortcuts to success will just dig the toy out. You could be damaged.

Upper Body Strength: Lift the dog - off the couch, off the bed, out of the flower bed. Repeat, repeat, repeat. As the dog ages, this exercise is reversed - onto the couch, onto the bed, into the car and so on.

Balance and Coordination Exercise 1: Remove your puppy from unsuitable tight places. If they're too small for him, they're certainly too small for you. Do it anyway!

Balance and Coordination Exercise 2: Practice not falling when your dog bounds across the full length of the room, sails through the air, and slams both front paws into the back of your knees.

Balance and Coordination Exercise 3: (for use with multiple dogs) Remove all dogs from lap and answer the phone before it stops ringing.

Balance and Coordination Exercise 4: (alternate) For older dogs, attempt to cross a room without tripping over the dog. Get off your couch without crushing any part of a sleeping elderly dog.

Upper Arms: Throw the ball. Throw the squeaky toy. Throw the Frisbee. Repeat until nauseous.

Upper Arms: (alternate) Tug the rope. Tug the pull toy. Tug the sock. Repeat until your shoulder is dislocated or the dog gives up (we all know which comes first).

Hand Coordination: Remove foreign object from dog's locked jaw. This exercise is especially popular with puppy owners. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.  Remember, this is a timed exercise. Movements must be quick and precise (think concert pianist) to prevent trips to the vet, which only offer the minimal exercise benefit of jaw firming clenches.

Calves: After the dog has worn out the rest of your body, hang a circular toy on your ankle and let the dog tug while you tug back. WARNING: This is feasible only for those with strong bones and small dogs. Have you taken your calcium supplement today?

Calves: (alternate) Run after dog - pick any reason, there are plenty. Dogs of any size can be used for this exercise. Greyhounds are inadvisable.

Neck Muscles: Attempt to outmanoeuvre the canine tongue headed for your ear, mouth, or eyeball. This is a lifelong fitness program. A dog is never too old or too feeble to 'French Kiss' you when you least expect it.