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- · All of the genes inherited by dogs are
contained within 39 different sets of chromosomes.
There are thought to be between 20,000 - 30,000 different
genes.
- · Any chromosome between number 1 and 38
is called an autosome. The 39th chromosome determines
the sex of the dog.
- · The genes responsible for diseases such
as GPRA and Fucosidosis are inherited as what is known
as an Autosomal Recessive Trait.
- · Chromosomes (and therefore genes) are inherited
in pairs, with one copy of each chromosome being inherited
from each parent, making up the total of 39 pairs.
- · With all diseases that are inherited as
simple autosomal recessive traits, every dog can be
classified genetically in one of three ways (using
GPRA as an example, but the same applies to other
diseases which are inherited in a similar way, such
as Fucosidosis):
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| This means that the dog has TWO NORMAL COPIES
of the gene for GPRA. A CLEAR dog will not, therefore,
suffer from the disease, neither can it pass on
the faulty (mutant) gene to its offspring. It is
both clinically and genetically CLEAR. |
This means that the dog has ONE NORMAL COPY and
ONE FAULTY (MUTANT) COPY of the gene for GPRA. A
CARRIER will not itself suffer from GPRA, but will
pass on the mutant gene to approximately half of
its offspring.
It is clinically clear, but is genetically a CARRIER. |
This means that the dog has TWO FAULTY (MUTANT)
COPIES of the gene for GPRA. These dogs will be
genetically AFFECTED (even though they may show
no clinical signs of GPRA) and they will always
pass on the mutant gene to their offspring.
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| A full diagramatical explanation of the above conditions
is
available for download in PDF Format |
| A Code of Ethical Guidelines in respect of Fucosidosis
has been agreed by all the UK ESS Breed Clubs in an effort
to give guidance to breeders on how best to eliminate
the risks of breeding affected dogs, whilst still breeding
for quality, type and temperament. It is intended to agree
a similar code with regard to GPRA following the availability
of a DNA test for this disease. |
| Further information is available from the HEALTH CO-ORDINATORS: |
| Lesley Bloomfield |
0044 (0)1923 823579 |
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| Louise Scott |
0044 (0)20 8427 3396 |
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© The Alan Emeney Foundation - Charity No 1115450 Website by Canouan |
