Health Group Report 2019

The Kennel Club issued the following statement during the summer:-

Following consultation with the Dog Health Group, the Kennel Club has confirmed that, from 1st August 2018, any DNA health test result submitted for inclusion on its database must have at least two forms of identification on the result certificate.  
It will be mandatory to include the dog’s microchip or tattoo number along with either the dog’s registered name or registered number. Any test results that do not carry these identifying features will not be accepted.
This brings the recording of DNA test results in line with those health tests carried out by the British Veterinary Association.

I have continued to get reports of dogs with Cushings Syndrome, sadly symptoms are not visible until bitches could have produced up to four litters and dogs could have sired many litters.  On checking pedigrees of affected dogs the problem does appear to run in families of related dogs.

Another problem which has come to light this year is Entropion.  This is a condition in which the eyelid turns inward so that the eyelashes and skin rub against the eye surface. This causes irritation and discomfort.  I have not heard of dogs with this eye problem before in the UK, but it has been seen in the USA.  I consulted a BVA panellist, when I had some of my dogs eye tested for TRD, he told me that the condition of Entropion is a heredity condition and dogs with it should not be bred from.
Another condition which came to light was Dry Eye and he said that this was usually heredity and again dogs with the condition should not be bred from.  Some years ago dog with this condition came into rescue, after monitoring her for some months under the supervision of my vet, she was rehomed and has continued to have a good life with regular veterinary care.
There are still a number adverts claiming that dogs are clear of CT(Copper Toxicosis) based on the COMMD1 DNA results, without the clarification that the published results only relate to the form of CT caused by the COMMD1 gene and not all forms of CT.

There have also been claims that dogs are clear of TRD when eye test results only state that a dog is unaffected or affected for the condition.

Sheila Baldwin
Bedlington Terrier Health Group Co-ordinator