PCD in old English sheepdogs
The Kennel Club (KC) has approved an official DNA testing scheme for primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) in old English sheepdogs.
PCD is an abnormality in the dog's respiratory tract, inherited by a mutant gene, which causes regular infections.
Since the mutant gene can be easily identified, testing is being encouraged in old English sheepdogs – a breed particularly susceptible to the condition.
Testing involves taking a simple cheek swab and sending it for analysis.
While more information can be found on the main old English sheepdog club websites, testing kits are only available directly from two companies; Antagene, based in France, and Genomia in the Czech Republic.
Once results are given, the owner is advised to submit a copy to the KC so it can be recorded with the dog's registration certificate. Owners that include their original registration certificate will be issued a new one that displays the results.
Those dogs that have been tested will also then be added to the UK's Old English Sheepdog Club database.
Click here for more information from the KC.
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