eye test shennanigans

Blackstreet · Jul 25, 2012

So - we have found another pup!

But - im told the stud dog has been DNA tested, and i have had a look at the KC registration and it states the following:

BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme Unaffected 12/07/2010 2 years, 8 months

Is that test the same as the OPTIGEN DNA test? Is that a DNA test, or just a test to say the stud is clear at that point in time. ie PRA clear.

Im confused, as the KC CLub content states the following about the test.

"The BVA/KC/International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS) Eye Scheme offers breeders the possibility of eye testing to screen for inherited eye disease in certain breeds. By screening breeding stock for these diseases, breeders can use the information to eliminate or reduce the frequency of eye disease being passed on to puppies. At the centre of the scheme are two schedules: Schedule A and Schedule B. "

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Which reads to me as if its a DNA test, but then the KC page also states:

Kennel Club Assured Breeders are strongly recommended to use the following screening schemes and/or advice for sires and dams

Scheme/Advice
DNA test - prcd-PRA

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so if its recommending a DNA test then im not sure if the BVA test is a DNA test? Maybe its just me, but its quite confusing.

The advert for the stud dog is clear in that it says PRA - DNA clear. IM not sure if i should link to the stud dogs webpage, as it might be a bit unfair calling it out like that.

Any help to navigate my way through this fog would be much appreciated.

Either way, we are off to see the pup (last one remaining which also makes me nervous!) tonight.

thanks

Janev1000 · Jul 25, 2012

That's great! You will need to start a new thread on your puppy with lots of pics! x

Blackstreet · Jul 25, 2012

Laboklin

So we found out the stud has had an all clear from laboklin so I believe we are good to go! Apparently the kc club won't post up laboklin only optigen tests. So we are getting a pup in just over 2 weeks time!

Janev1000 · Jul 25, 2012

Colin is right that a BVA eye test will only tell you the condition of the stud's eye on that given date. Only a DNA test carried out by companies such as Optigen or Laboklin can tell you whether the stud is completely clear of the issue ever developing in its lifetime.

When we bought our first pup, the ad said the stud dog was PRA clear but we then found out it was only an annual BVA test. Thankfully, the stud was then DNA tested by Laboklin and found to be clear too. It's not an expensive test for breeders to carry out - around £100 - given what they charge for stud fees each time. It sounds like it is important to you that the stud has had the right test, so better to go and see a litter that fulfils that criteria in case you become smitten with the pup, as you will find them all very cute and adorable!

It's certainly worth spending the time doing your research and keeping in mind that the pup will be with you for quite some time. Difficult I know but worth it! x

colpa110 · Jul 25, 2012

As in understand it the BVA test only means that the dog has no eyes issues
at the time of the test but NOT if the dog will develop problems in the future - only a DNA test can do this. Optigen is the most used lab for doing the testing but there are others.

eye test shennanigans

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