Lafora test update - February 2012

Post date: Mar 04, 2012 11:50:17 AM

The WHDC has posted this update on their website:

Following the confirmation from Centogene, that they were not able to continue with our testing due to technical difficulties, we asked Canada to see if they could detect Carriers from the saliva provided by Centogene. This was not possible, due either to the age and deterioration of the DNA or due to the fact that the test is still not possible on saliva samples.

To move forward, Canada are using their new carrier / clear / affected test on 35 blood samples, covering known Affecteds, known Carriers and presumed Clears. Saliva from the same 35 dogs, is also being tested, to see if it is possible to perfect a saliva carrier test.

All other samples are on hold, pending the outcome of the above tests. To perfect a saliva carrier test is proving extremely complex and we are very grateful for everyone’s support and patience whilst the research is being completed.

The breeding advice remains that:

• • It is not advisable to breed from Affected animals

  • Through pedigree analysis, endeavour to use assumed “clear” animals on known carriers, therefore reducing the risk of producing affected animals

  • Carrier to carrier matings WILL produce some affected stock (refer to the guide on this site) and therefore these matings are not desirable. All puppies form such matings should be tested to determine their Lafora status, so that new owners can be informed

Swabs are still being accepted. These will be tested as soon as the initial research with the blood / saliva is completed by Canada.

Any queries / enquiries, please contact any of the team, details on the January update. Updates and results can be found at http://www.whdc.co.uk

Additional information (posted March 5th 2012):

• • The Canadians have asked for approx. 35 blood and saliva samples plus pedigrees from a cross-section of Mini Wires so they can see if they can perfect a saliva test by comparing results with their proven blood test

  • The sample dogs cover dogs/bitches, UK/European/Scandinavian, Affected/Carrier/(presumed) Clear

  • A small number of blood and saliva samples from deduced Carriers have also been sent to Centogene for them to analyse

  • If the Canadians succeed in identifying Carriers from Saliva, those people awaiting results from Centogene will instead have their tests completed in Canada (at no extra cost)

  • If we can only identify Carriers by blood tests, not everyone will need to have this done; it depends on the known status of parents/offspring - for some, a saliva test will be adequate

  • It is likely to be a month before we know if the Canadians have succeeded in identifying Carriers from saliva samples

  • If we have to use blood tests to identify Carriers, it will be more expensive than the saliva test and therefore the donated funds will not allow us to complete as many research screenings as we had hoped from the cheaper saliva test