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Posted: 15th April 2013

PCD in old English sheepdogs

DNA testing scheme approved for breeders

The Kennel Club (KC) has approved an official DNA testing scheme for primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) in old English sheepdogs.

PCD is an abnormality in the dog's respiratory tract, inherited by a mutant gene, which causes regular infections.

Since the mutant gene can be easily identified, testing is being encouraged in old English sheepdogs – a breed particularly susceptible to the condition.

Testing involves taking a simple cheek swab and sending it for analysis.

While more information can be found on the main old English sheepdog club websites, testing kits are only available directly from two companies; Antagene, based in France, and Genomia in the Czech Republic.

Once results are given, the owner is advised to submit a copy to the KC so it can be recorded with the dog's registration certificate. Owners that include their original registration certificate will be issued a new one that displays the results.

Those dogs that have been tested will also then be added to the UK's Old English Sheepdog Club database.

Click here for more information from the KC.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal
Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here.

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