Post date: Dec 20, 2010 4:21:55 PM
The WHDC has today published, as promised, the full set of Lafora Test results.
View them here.
Lesley Patton reported the following in her Dog World Breed Notes on 17th December...
I have already reported on the WHDC's Lafora testing results, and the fact that from 95 samples tested, 12 dogs were found to be affected, which is a much higher rate of incidence than was previously thought. Sadly, now the results are out with the individual owners, rumours are flying around, and some people are doubting the results. Already there is talk of a witch hunt. There is no witch hunt, and this was made very clear when the testing was introduced. Every Miniature Wirehaired owner/breeder must surely want to breed away from this condition. No-one is at fault for the existence of the disease, and because the age of onset is after normal breeding age there is no way anyone can be thought to have deliberately bred from Dachshunds with Lafora's.
This is a time for Miniature Wire breeders to work together, not put up barriers. If anyone believes their results are incorrect, please contact the WHDC. No-one has done so to date. You could also ask your vet to contact Clare Rusbridge - especially if you are the person whose dog has apparently received a non-Affected result and you are saying that your vet has been treating your dog for Lafora's for two years.
Most people I have spoken to seem to think that a substantial sum of money should be invested by the Dachshund world in developing a test to distinguish between Dachshunds who are clear of Lafora's and those who are carriers. Anyone who believes they have evidence the results are incorrect should not be spreading rumours, that is just irresponsible, they should be making sure any possible inaccuracies are investigated before a financial commitment is made.