Cairn Genetic Diseases Tested By DNA
DNA testing has been a blessing for dog breeders. Before DNA testing was available breeders were forced to do "test breedings" to see if they were pairing two dogs which could both carry undesirable genes. These test breedings not only took years to know some results but also produced puppies which were sold to folks who had to worry about whether or not their puppy would develop a disease.
Today ethical breeders have access to DNA tests for many diseases. Depending on how many undesirable genes for a disease a dog inherits it is considered "clear" (no copies), a "carrier" (1 copy, but no symptoms) or "affected" (2 copies with symptoms).
Using this information a breeder can quickly eliminate these diseases from their dogs.
Today ethical breeders have access to DNA tests for many diseases. Depending on how many undesirable genes for a disease a dog inherits it is considered "clear" (no copies), a "carrier" (1 copy, but no symptoms) or "affected" (2 copies with symptoms).
Using this information a breeder can quickly eliminate these diseases from their dogs.
Rodents don't have a chance here at DanBar! The Cairns can get in places the larger dogs can't.
Macrothrombocytopenia, Macrothrombocytosis, Thrombocytopenia, MTC
Common Symptoms:
Congenital Macrothrombocytopenia (Cairn and Norfolk Terrier Type) is an inherited blood condition affecting dogs. This condition is diagnosed via microscopic examination of a blood smear. It is characterized by reduced numbers of normal sized Platelets in the blood (thrombocytopenia) and the presence of large platelets (macrothrombocytes). Affected dogs rarely exhibit clinical signs related to platelet abnormalities however, recognizing a congenital cause for macrothrombocytopenia is important because both the lack of platelets and large platelets can be associated with other clinically important diseases. In addition, some blood analyzer machines can misinterpret macrothrombocytes as red blood cells, thus further complicating diagnoses. Dogs affected with this condition do not show increased incidence of Hemorrhage and blood clotting times are normal.
Craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO) ("Lion Jaw")
Common Symptoms:Craniomandibular osteopathy is an inherited skeletal syndrome affecting dogs. Affected dogs often present at around four to eight months of age with signs of discomfort when eating or chewing caused by abnormal bone proliferation of the mandible, occipital and temporal skull bones, and/or the tympanic bulla (the bony structure housing the middle and inner ear). Other clinical signs of craniomandibular osteopathy include swelling around the jaw, difficulty opening mouth, drooling, fever, and difficulty holding food or toys with the mouth. Most dogs experience a cessation of bony growth around one year of age and the growth may recede or resolve in some cases with or without treatment. Although most cases of craniomandibular osteopathy are non-fatal, jaw pain in affected dogs may result in a reluctance to eat and secondary malnutrition. In some cases, pain and malnutrition may influence caregivers to pursue euthanasia due to quality of life concerns.
Globoid cell leukodystrophy, Krabbe disease, (GLD)
Common Symptoms:Globoid cell leukodystrophy (terrier type) is an inherited Lysosomal Storage Disorder affecting Cairn terriers. Affected dogs are normal at birth but at about 6 to 22 weeks of age, these dogs show signs of muscle weakness and uncoordinated movement. Affected dogs have a deficiency of the Enzyme galactocerebrosidase which is responsible for breaking down Myelin in the nervous system. As a result, there are abnormal accumulations of fatty myelin bi-products that affect the ability of certain nervous cells to make myelin. Symptoms include crossing legs while walking, widely spaced stance, jerky movements, high stepping and body tremors. Overall muscle tone is decreased and reflexes are decreased or absent. As the disease progresses, blindness, paralysis and death can occur.
Hemophilia B, Christmas disease, Factor IX deficiency
Common Symptoms: Hemophilia B (Cairn terrier type) is an inherited bleeding disorder affecting Cairn terriers. Hemophilia B (Cairn terrier type) is caused by a deficiency of coagulation factor IX, an essential protein needed for normal blood clotting. While there is some variation in bleeding tendency with this disease, Cairn terriers generally exhibit more severe clinical signs. Affected dogs bruise easily and often get blood filled masses (hematomas) under their skin and within muscles with mild trauma. They can also have internal bleeding and bloody or dark tarry feces. Dogs may show signs of lameness or stiffness if bleeding in the joints is present. A mildly affected dog may present with easy and excessive bruising and frequent nosebleeds. There is significant risk for prolonged bleeding after surgery or trauma, and in some cases, the bleeding may be severe enough to cause death. Veterinarians performing surgery on known affected dogs should have ready access to blood banked for transfusions. Most dogs will have a normal lifespan with this condition despite increased blood clotting times.
Pyruvate kinase deficiency (terrier type) (PKD)
Common Symptoms:Pyruvate kinase deficiency (terrier type) is an inhered metabolic disease affecting cairn terriers. Affected dogs have insufficient activity of the pyruvate kinase Enzyme which breaks down glycogen for energy. Deficiency of this enzyme results primarily in easily damaged red blood cells (hemolysis). Affected dogs typically present between 4 months and 1 year of age with pale gums from decreased numbers of red blood cells (Anemia) and lethargy or exercise intolerance. Clinical findings during a veterinary exam include severe anemia, hardening of the bones, and an enlarged spleen and liver. While dogs can live for several years with this disease, they typically die from severe anemia or liver failure by 5 years of age.
Common Symptoms:Pyruvate kinase deficiency (terrier type) is an inhered metabolic disease affecting cairn terriers. Affected dogs have insufficient activity of the pyruvate kinase Enzyme which breaks down glycogen for energy. Deficiency of this enzyme results primarily in easily damaged red blood cells (hemolysis). Affected dogs typically present between 4 months and 1 year of age with pale gums from decreased numbers of red blood cells (Anemia) and lethargy or exercise intolerance. Clinical findings during a veterinary exam include severe anemia, hardening of the bones, and an enlarged spleen and liver. While dogs can live for several years with this disease, they typically die from severe anemia or liver failure by 5 years of age.
Common Symptoms:
Gallbladder Mucoceles are an inherited disorder of the liver affecting Cairn Terriers. A mucocele is a gallbladder that is severely distended by mucus. It can result in inflammation (cholecystitis) and possible rupture of the gallbladder. Affected dogs usually present with vomiting, jaundice, loss of appetite and abdominal pain. If the gallbladder is not removed before rupture, the dog will become very painful and die. Though it is known that dogs inheriting one copy of the causal Mutation are at increased risk for this disease, the presentation of gallbladder mucoceles is variable between dogs and not all dogs inheriting a copy of the mutation will develop the disease. This suggests that there are environmental or other genetic factors responsible for modifying disease expression. Because gallbladder mucoceles have symptoms that are common to other diseases, it can be difficult to diagnosis without ultrasonography or surgery.