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This information is provided to assist with
health issues relating
to Miniature Longhair Dachshunds, and is by no means exhaustive, Including:-
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
There are a
number of conditions that can affect dachshunds, some
specifically mini longs. As technology advances,
screening for different conditions becomes
available. More recently the Animal
Health Trust in England has developed a DNA based
test for Progressive Retinal Atrophy. This
test can only be used for miniature longhairs, and is
breed specific. Prior to 2005, the only way to
establish whether your dog has the condition is an
annual eye examination at an ophthalmology
veterinarian. As the condition can affect dogs at
different ages, in some instances to test a then 10 year
old and discover they were affected by the condition, is
too late to make a knowledgeable plan about future
breedings, when they may have already been bred from.
The AHT has
developed a test that shows whether the dogs are
"normal", clear of the condition, a
"Carrier", will not develop it but carries one
copy of the gene, or "affected", carries two
copies of the gene.
This now enables
breeders to make calculated decisions to eliminate
producing affected dogs in their breeding program.
The test is costly, and having been available for less
than one year, people haven't been able to use the
information for very long.
We have been very
fortunate, our twelve results so far have
returned eleven as "clear" and
one carrier. Through no prior
knowledge, except that our original lines are now
approaching 10 years and can still see.
Others may not be in such a good position to move
forward. I believe that people should not be
judged on their current situation, as previously there
was no sure way of knowing, but on how they progress
forward.
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Continually
being updated