Testing, testing, 1...2...3...

Seeker has been tested for many health problems that can occur in Border Collies. Recently, I tested him for Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome (TNS). I really didn't expect anything other than a normal result as the working lines haven't been known to carry this. Well, I was very surprised that Seeker came back as a carrier for TNS when I had him tested by UC Davis. What does this mean? Well, it really only means that he must be bred to normal bitches. He isn't affected. He is a carrier. This knowledge is vital in making important choices for him and the breed. I have also sent his blood to OptiGen to verify the UC Davis results as their test was a cheek swab. I also tested him for Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (CL) as well. The OptiGen results verified the UC Davis results for TNS. Seeker is indeed a carrier. He is, however, normal for CL. His sire's DNA was kept at OptiGen and he was tested even though he is no longer alive. He was found to be normal for both CL and TNS. His litter mate and full brother from the repeat of this cross were also found to be TNS carriers, but normal for CL. These results truly bring to light that working lines CAN carry TNS, even though there has been no widespread awareness of affected dogs.

It is vital that ALL breeders of Border Collies from ALL areas test their breeding dogs. Whether from the working, performance/sport, show or pet communities, if you are planning on breeding your Border Collie, testing for genetic diseases should be done. The testing is available for several different genetic diseases including CL and TNS. I utilize them because I believe that testing is an important part of my breeding program.

Some breeders feel that culling the carriers from their breeding program is the right thing to do. I do not believe this.  A carrier bred to a normal will NEVER produce affecteds. They will produce a mix of normal and carriers. Owners of carriers wishing to breed their dogs need to REQUIRE testing from the potential mate. It only makes excellent sense for the breed to do so. Carriers must only be bred to normals and puppies could ideally be tested before leaving the breeder so that their status can be discovered. Yes, it is expensive to run these tests, but it is more expensive to NOT do them before those puppies go to their new lives.

TNS and CL are FATAL for puppies. Here are descriptions of these diseases directly from the OptiGen website:

"Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis is a type of lysosomal storage disorder that results in accumulation of lysosomal storage bodies in the cells of many tissues of the affected animal. This leads to progressive neurodegeneration (degeneration of brain and eye cells) and results in severe neurological impairment and early death. Affected dogs appear normal at birth, but begin to exhibit symptoms early in life – around 1- 2 years of age. The age of onset and severity of the disease can vary greatly among individuals. The symptoms include progressive motor decline with seizures and loss of coordinated muscle movements, cognitive decline and abnormal behavior. Visual impairment may occur. Due to the severity of the disease, affected Border Collies rarely survive beyond 26-28 months. There is no treatment or cure at this time."

"Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome (TNS) is an inherited disease that affects a dog's immune system and is marked by an inability to effectively combat infections. Clinical symptoms of dogs affected by TNS vary, depending on the nature of the pathogen involved."

 As the caretaker of the Border Collies, breeders must be cognizant of the diseases which plague this wonderful breed. There are other genetic diseases that are still being investigated and researched including Adult Onset Deafness  , Epilepsy and Border Collie Collapse Syndrome. They are drawing closer to developing a test for AOD, but Epilepsy is still elusive and complex. As medical research progresses, so does the opportunities to develop tests to keep this breed healthy and doing what it is meant to be... the world's premiere stockdog.

Seeker by Megan Quigley