Elkhound Health Matters

prcd- PRA

 Over the years we have had some Elkhounds who have suffered late onset GPRA and this has resulted in impaired vision or total loss of sight. Whereas this is not a painful condition like, for example glaucoma, it can still impact adversely on the quality of life of the affected dog; this in turn will have implications for the owner in managing a partially or totally blind dog.Your Committee has always been striving for provision of the best professional advice for owners and breeders and it has been working alongside Dr Acland, Professor of Medical Genetics, and Cornell University, New York, USA in his investigations into the mutation causing late onset PRA (prcd mutation).     

The list of results to May 2010 are available by clicking the link below.

 prcd PRA results May 2010.pdf


Health Screening Schemes and DNA Tests

There are several different types of screening schemes that can aid breeders in the detection of some inherited diseases or, in the case of DNA testing schemes, the presence or absence of disease genes. 

BVA/KC Health Schemes

The Kennel Club runs clinical veterinary screening schemes together with the British Veterinary Association which aim to detect the presence of signs of the inherited diseases of hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and eye diseases and therefore help breeders to choose breeding stocks that are free of disease.

DNA Screening Schemes

Where a gene based DNA test exists and is available in the UK, the Kennel Club, in conjunction with breed clubs and several centres or laboratories, runs DNA screening schemes for breeders which can provide precise information as to the genetic status of breeding stock with regard to certain diseases.  There is a growing number of DNA tests available worldwide.

KC Health Screening Database

Health screening results of KC registered dogs that are screened under any of the official BVA/KC schemes or any of the official DNA testing schemes are recorded and published in various ways by the Kennel Club. To view individual health screening results simply click on the link below.

 http://www.the-kennel-club.org.uk/services/public/health/search