CANINE LEUKOCYTE ADHESION DEFICIENCY (CLAD)
Canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (clad) is a disease of the immune system found in Irish Setters. The gene responsible, ß-2 integrin, has now been identified and a DNA test devised. The disease shows an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance; therefore. two copies of the defective gene, one inherited from each parent, have to be present for a dog to be affected by the disease. Individuals with one copy of the defective gene and one copy of the normal gene - called carriers - show no symptoms but can pass the defective gene onto their offspring. When two apparently healthy carriers are crossed, 25% (on average) of the offspring will be affected by the disease with a further 50% themselves being carriers.
The Animal Health Trust is now offering a DNA test for this disease distinguishing affected, carrier and normal individuals. The test probes directly the DNA of the ß-2 integrin gene and provides definitive information on the genetic status of this disease, giving breeders the information to eradicate the disease from their lines. The test cannot only diagnose setters affected with this disease but can also detect those dogs which are carriers, showing no symptoms of the disease but able to produce affected pups if mated to another carrier.
DNA testing for clad is carried out under a screening scheme run with the Kennel Club. Results are made publicly available through the Kennel Club Website ( http://www.the-kennel-club.org.uk)
Samples submitted should be cheek swabs ( a non-invasive sampling method). Sampling kits are obtainable from the Animal Health Trust webshop www.ahtdnatesting.co.uk. Further information can be obtained by emailing [email protected]
Canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (clad) is a disease of the immune system found in Irish Setters. The gene responsible, ß-2 integrin, has now been identified and a DNA test devised. The disease shows an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance; therefore. two copies of the defective gene, one inherited from each parent, have to be present for a dog to be affected by the disease. Individuals with one copy of the defective gene and one copy of the normal gene - called carriers - show no symptoms but can pass the defective gene onto their offspring. When two apparently healthy carriers are crossed, 25% (on average) of the offspring will be affected by the disease with a further 50% themselves being carriers.
The Animal Health Trust is now offering a DNA test for this disease distinguishing affected, carrier and normal individuals. The test probes directly the DNA of the ß-2 integrin gene and provides definitive information on the genetic status of this disease, giving breeders the information to eradicate the disease from their lines. The test cannot only diagnose setters affected with this disease but can also detect those dogs which are carriers, showing no symptoms of the disease but able to produce affected pups if mated to another carrier.
DNA testing for clad is carried out under a screening scheme run with the Kennel Club. Results are made publicly available through the Kennel Club Website ( http://www.the-kennel-club.org.uk)
Samples submitted should be cheek swabs ( a non-invasive sampling method). Sampling kits are obtainable from the Animal Health Trust webshop www.ahtdnatesting.co.uk. Further information can be obtained by emailing [email protected]
