ABCA Registration and PRA

[Ninso]

My dog Lok was adopted from the HS at just under two years old, but came with ABCA papers. I haven't been able to find any information about his breeder or history, but today sent a snail-mail letter to them asking for info on his background and breeding. I also wanted to tell them that Lok, at just three years old, was diagnosed with PRA and already has very significantly impaired vision. I figure this might be of significance to them if they are still breeding.

 

Then I was just looking around on the ABCA site and noticed this quote under "Dogs Ineligible for ABCA Registration":

 

Dogs and pups which are themselves or are offspring of any dog having PRA or CEA.

 

If I wrote to the ABCA and let them know about Lok's PRA, would it have any effect on the registration of the other dogs in his pedigree. Would his parents be de-registered? Would the ABCA somehow make available the information that that particular cross produced a dog with PRA?

 

Like I said, I know nothing about the breeder, whether they are scrupulous or not, whether they breed for herding or not (Lok is afraid of sheep so I'm guess probably not) but I would like to do what I can to spare other dogs what he is going through.

[Lenajo]

I'm sure someone will post the details but PRA is believed not to exist, or at least be extremely rare, in the Border Collie. Most cases are misdiagnosised. If you have a dog that has PRA and ABCA papers, then I bet Dr Akland or the other eye researches would like to know about it and check the dog themselves.

 

I don't have contact information on this, but I'm sure someone from the health and genetics committee will be bumped over here to help.

[Mark Billadeau]

Was your dog diagnosed with PRA by a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist (ACVO, ECVO)?

If so please read this:

Optigen: RESEARCH SAMPLES NEEDED FOR PRA and CATARACTS

 

Mark

(ABCA Health & Genetics Committee Member)

[Ninso]

Yes, he was diagnosed by a board certified opthamologist.

[Ninso]

Would I need to have the vet that diagnosed him send in the things for the study or can I do that myself?

[Mark Billadeau]

Then you can help out the breed and possibly prevent other dogs from having to go through what Lok is going through by participating in the linked study. The study is investigating the genetic markers of PRA in our breed (and other breeds); if markers can be found then a test can be developed for the disease.

 

From the link

Here's how it works:

 

1. You mail, email, or fax a copy of the eye exam report (CERF report or other) plus a copy of a 4-5 generation pedigree for PRE-APPROVAL before sending a blood sample. If possible, provide an email address for a reply.

 

2. Wait for a response from OptiGen to learn if your dog has a diagnosis that qualifies for free testing.

 

3. Once you’ve received the PRE-APPROVAL notification from OptiGen, send a blood sample - at least 3 ml of unclotted blood - according to standard instructions (Ship Sample).
Cheek swab samples are not suitable for most research purposes; a blood sample is greatly preferred. Print out and complete all details of the standard Request Test form (ignore any payment questions). Send this order form with the notation “Approved for Research” clearly printed on the first page. Including a copy of email correspondence noting the prior approval by OptiGen is helpful.

 

Mark

[Ninso]

I certainly will! Thank you for the info!