Health 1

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

The UK Breed Clubs, The Glen of Imaal Terrier Association (GOITA) and The Enthusiasts and Fanciers of the Glen (EFG) have been working on this subject for a while now and are pleased to advise that we are now working together with the Royal Kennel Club in London and geneticists employed by the RKC. We are addressing the situation regarding Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) and whether or not we have a problem in our breed.

This is what we are intending to do:

The Clubs will conduct an Allele* Frequency Test with a given number of Glens from as diverse parentage as possible, the results of which will be studied by genetics experts and it will be determined whether or not we actually have a problem with DM in our breed. Depending upon the results of this, a decision will be made as to the next course of action. Unfortunately this will take a while because even if an animal is tested which is genetically affected there is no guarantee that they will go on to show clinical signs in later life. Unfortunately, the only way to absolutely confirm that the animal has died with this disease is by performing an autopsy, which is not only expensive but also heart-breaking for the owners of the animal. Obviously if this needs to be done then it will have to be and this will be addressed when and if it is required.

As the foregoing all needs to be achieved as soon as possible it would be greatly appreciated if you, as owners, would have your animals tested and advise the Breed Health Co-ordinators (Lynne Fraser for GOITA and Wendy Tobijanski for EFG) of the results in order that we can add them to our spreadsheet. We can assure you that the spreadsheet will remain confidential and will not be shared with anyone without express permission from the owner.

The results of these tests will be published a percentage of clear/carrier/affected only, no names or further information will be given. All information given to the Breed Health Co-ordinators is confidential and will not be shared with anyone from either club.

* The definition of Allele is: each of two or more alternative forms of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same place on a chromosome. Also called allelomorph.

The two laboratories which are being used for testing are given below. They both offer a ‘bundle’ discount.

1. Laboklin www.laboklin.co.uk
2. Animal DNA Diagnostics Ltd www.animaldnadiagnostics.co.uk

If you require any assistance or have any questions about DM or the project, please feel free to contact our Breed Health Co-ordinator Lynne Fraser (lynne@1canhelp.com ).

This condition is found in many breeds, and recently in Glens. The incidence of affected Glens would seem  to be relatively small but as there is no cure for this ailment The Association recommends a DNA test for breeding dogs. 

Simply put, as the dog ages, messages from the brain cannot travel down the spine to the dog’s hind legs, resulting in the dog losing the use of its back legs.  

The use of the DNA test either by swabbing or by sending a blood sample, can in a few days establish the DM status of the dog and using the breeding policy the breeder can with confidence mate their dogs knowing that the puppies they produce will not suffer such problems.

The laboratories below are currently approved by the Kennel Club. Animal DNA Diagnostics offer a discount for a bundle of three tests which can be ordered via the website below. For members wishing to use Laboklin, a discount can be obtained via our Health Coordinator, Lynne Fraser (lynne@Icanhelp.com).