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How to have your Lancashire Heeler DNA tested
to find out if it is a carrier of CEA.
If you are thinking of breeding from your Heeler it’s a good idea to get it DNA tested to find out whether it is a carrier for Collie Eye Anomoly (CEA). There is much confusion about this test, I am being told regularly that “I don't need to test because my dog has a clear eye test certificate” This is not actually the case, if a puppy has been eye tested the test can only conclude if the puppy had CEA or didn't, it cannot determine carrier status (A CEA genetic carrier means the dog doesn't have Collie Eye Anomaly, but carries the faulty gene so can pass it on to his/ her offspring). The new DNA test developed by Optigen in the USA is the only way to find out, other than tireless test matings and with this old method, you are never sure.
The test is easy to have done and although it is not cheap, it's well worth it to avoid breeding CEA affected puppies.
We have had 16 tested to date and found the service extremely good. I am going to write a step by step guide to help anyone thinking of testing but not knowing what to do or where to go, hope it helps.
1. The first step is to contact your vet and tell them what you are intending to do so they can have the correct phial for the blood sample in stock. It has to be anticoagulant and usually has a purple top. Also, arrange for your dog to be Micro chipped or tattooed if they are not already, so that they are permanently identified.
2. Find out when the next 20/20 clinic will take place. 20/20 is a group testing and Optigen giving a discount if you are in the clinic. To find out when the next clinic will be held follow the link on the Optigen site http://www.optigen.com/ it will give you the next date for CEA clinic and it will give you an email or phone number to contact to get a code which you will enter on your test request form. This discount is given only if your blood sample reaches Optigen within specific time, this time is stipulated when you enquire for the clinic code.
3. If you are paying by credit card etc, you can fill out the test request form online. There is a 5% discount for this, there is also a discount for litter testing so make sure you take advantage of them. The completed form will still need to be printed and taken to your vet to sign to say he took the blood, on what day etc. If you decide to pay by postal orders, cheque etc do not submit form online just print out.
4. Once the paperwork is complete make the vet appointment and call FEDEX to arrange sample collection, it’s a good idea to have the blood drawn at the beginning of the week to ensure you are not storing the blood sample all weekend before collection. You have two choices of where to send the blood. It can be sent via a laboratory in the Netherlands where the DNA is extracted and sent on to Optigen. The advantage of doing it this way is that this laboratory will keep a sample of your dog’s blood to be used for other tests later; the disadvantage to not sending direct is that it can take twice as long for the results. Both addresses are on the Optigen site.
5. Pack the phial between two pieces of kitchen towel and seal in a jiffy bag, put this into a larger bag with the paperwork and seal. FEDEX will do the rest.
Now it is just a case of waiting for the results.
If your test result concludes that your dog/bitch is a carrier it doesn't mean it should not be bred from, it just means you need to choose a mate who’s genetically clear, that will mean you have no affected pup’s born although half will be carriers themselves. You will then need to test the litter to find the carriers and clears or at least inform prospective buyers that some of the litter will be carriers of CEA, and explain that before they embark on breeding they need to have this test done, if you feel it necessary
You can put breeding restrictions on the puppy until test has been carried out by the new owner.
If you need any further assistance with this procedure, you are welcome to give me a call 01457 878248 or email me at kay@lancashireheeler.net
THIS TEST SHOULD NOT BE USED INSTEAD OF LITTER SCREENING, BOTH SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT, THE DNA TEST ONLY LOOKS AT THE CEA STATUS AND WILL NOT TELL YOU ABOUT ANY OTHER EYE CONDITION SO IT IS STILL VERY IMPORTANT TO HAVE YOUR PUPPIES TESTED BY A QUALIFIED OPTHALMIC VETENARIAN.
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