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Confidential JRT Genetic Eye Study Call to Affected and Normal Terrier Owners to Act Now.
Imagine the day when we could use a genetic marker test to make intelligent breeding decisions. We are getting closer to that day. The UC Davis research will help JRT owners and breeders to find a genetic marker for juvenile cataracts. This test will help us to eliminate disease in our breed. The study is confidential and the information will only be available to impartial genetic research scientists. If you have an affected terrier, your input is very valuable to research. The UC Davis JRT Genetic study has succeeded in reaching the number of dogs that is needed to create the required statistical population, but affected terrier family numbers need to be higher to ensure the success of the study. Order cheek swab kits online at: cgap.ucdavis.edu	More information Canine Genetic Analysis Project Order cheek swab kits online at: cgap.ucdavis.edu Juvenile Cataracts Progression Affected Terrier Case Study Can this happen to my terrier? Canine Eye Registration Foundation CERF Web site
Terriers that are not affected are also needed. The more relationships (sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers, puppies, aunts, uncles, etc.) that are in the study, the faster the research will be able cross check to find the responsible gene or genes. It is very easy to swab the dogs and send kits in. Please consider sending for a free cheek swab kit from the Canine Genetic Analysis Project (CGAP) Web site at cgap.ucdavis.edu or call Dr. Anita Oberbauer at UC Davis at (530) 752-4997 to leave your name, phone, address and breed for a cheek swab kit. Instructions are included with the swabs. Your participation can make a difference and help to save the breed from juvenile cataracts, PLL and other genetic issues. It is up to terrier owners to do everything they can to help eliminate genetic faults.
Is there anything I can do to help eliminate genetic disease? Terrier owners can CERF and BAER test their dogs. Terrier owners can submit cheek swabs of both affected and unaffected dogs to the UC Davis JRT genetic research study (cgap.ucdavis.edu). Terrier/puppy buyers can demand proof that the terriers parents and grandparents be CERF clear annually and BAER normal. Breeders can submit families and litters of Jack Russells. This is extremely helpful because each dog may have a different genetic configuration that when compared may help point to the gene that causes the disease. Researchers will use many samples to help find the genetic marker. Remember to submit new dogs and puppies to the study. Terrier breeders can thoroughly research pedigrees before breeding. They can ask for proof that the terriers are CERF clear and BAER normal. They can lower risk by waiting until the terriers are 5 years old and testing clear before breeding. Breeders can ask that stud dogs and bitches submit cheek swabs to the UC Davis study prior to breeding. Terrier owners/breeders can help by mentioning the research studies to friends and breeders in e-mail or on discussion groups or in club newsletters frequently. We can make a difference, one terrier at a time!
Article written by Sandi Pensinger