TOLAZRUN

AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERDS

DNA Tests

To ensure we can produce sound Australian Shepherd dogs, we have undertaken a number of tests to examine the soundness of our breeding stock.  All dogs that we use for breeding are hip scored and eye tested.  In addition, we have commenced DNA testing our breeding stock. 

CEA

Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) or as as it is more technically known Choroidal Hypoplasia (CH) is a recessively inherited eye disorder that causes abnormal development of the choroid - an important layer of tissue under the retina of the eye.  Unfortunately there is no known treatment or cure for dogs that are effected with CEA.  That is why all of our breeding stock is DNA tested for CEA prior to any matings taking place.  That way we can not only contribute to the removal of this problem in our breed by only breeding from dogs that are not effected by CEA, but we can also guarantee that when you purchase a puppy from us, they will be free of this genetic disease.

Explanation of DNA Test results:

Normal/Normal- These dogs do not carry the mutation, and will not pass on the mutation to their offspring. 

Mutant/Mutant- These dogs carry the mutation and can not pass on a normal gene to their offspring.   

Mutant/Normal- These dogs carry the mutation and may pass on the mutant gene to their offspring.  These dogs may also experience CEA themselves.

For more information on MDR1 visit:   www.optigen.com/opt9_test_cea_ch.html     and     www.ashgi.org/articles/fact_cea.htm