L2 HydroxyGlutaric Aciduria

In the past few years a small number of Staffords have been diagnosed with a metabolic disorder, it’s clinical title is L-2 hydroxyglutaric aciduria or L-2 HGA. This condition has manifested itself in varied ways with dogs exhibiting behaviour changes and dementia (staring at walls, getting stuck under tables and in corners, loss of obedience and housetraining), anxiety states, having full blown seizures, as well as exercise intolerance, ataxia (unsteady gait), tremors and muscular stiffness. Dogs from differing bloodlines have been found to be sufferers and the number of affected dogs diagnosed has risen. The disorder (and a similar linked disorder, D-2 HGA) is found in humans, again very rare, but nevertheless, devastating for the families affected by it. The disorder has an autosomal recessive method of inheritance, meaning that both parents must be carriers of the defective gene to produce affected offspring.

There has recently been discovered a genetic screening test to determine which dogs are carriers of the gene that causes L-2. It is advisable that ALL BREEDING STOCK should be screened in order to eradicate the condition in the future.

To do this test and we urge every breeder or concerned owners of dogs displaying the symptoms to have your vet take 3mls of blood then have him or her send it along with the screening form (see separate form) to the

Genetic Services, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk. CB8 7UU

You will need to supply the dog’s pet name, KC registered name and KC registration number, as well as a microchip number if the dog is chipped.

Testing can take up to 6 weeks for results to come back so make sure you have submitted blood samples long before you plan your mating.

If you want to download a screening form for L-2 HGA  (click here)

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