This section contains information on the following topics: –

 

* DNA tests available for Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers

 

 

Please scroll down to see more information on these topics.

DNA Tests for the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

There are currently two DNA tests available for Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers. These are: –

* PLN-Associated Variant Gene Test (PLN)
* Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

The PLN -Associated Variant Gene Test can be tested at either Penn Gen in the USA, or through Laboklin Laboratories in the UK.

DM can be tested through Laboklin Laboratories in the UK.

When taking the DNA test swab samples, it is VERY IMPORTANT that you follow the instruction guides relevant to each laboratory. They may not be the same.

If you wish to submit test swabs for either PLN and/or DM through Laboklin Laboratories, the special Club endorsed submission forms, instructions and swabs can be obtained from the Health Team Please email them at the following link – Health Team.

(Note – The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of GB has negotiated a special rate for our Members who wish to test for both PLN & DM through Laboklin Laboratories – you MUST use the special Club endorsed submission forms to do this.)

If you wish to submit test swabs for PLN through Penn Gen, then please contact them directly for their instructions and forms at the following link – Penn Gen . Test swabs can be obtained from the Club’s Health Team (link above).

 

Test Results
The testing laboratory will contact you with your dog/litter result and this result is confidential between you and the Laboratory used.

As each laboratory provides results using their own definitions, there is a table showing how each of their reporting definitions compares with the other, as well as some more commonly used terms that are in use. This table can be found at the following link – PLNVariantGeneTable

It is recommended that you send copies of the results to the Breeder, and if the Breeder or Owner chooses they can share them with The SCWT Club of GB.

 

What does “Clear by Parentage” mean?
The genetic status of both the sire and dam will influence their offspring.

You may hear the term “Clear by Parentage” used. This means that if both parents have been DNA tested as being clear for a disease, it is declared offspring are clear by virtue of the fact that the parents both tested clear. However, there are a few conditions to clear by parentage.

As mentioned, both sire and dam must have tested clear, and those documented test results from the testing laboratory can then be recorded on the SCWT Endowment Database at http://scwtdb.org/ .

(For information on how to have your Wheaten Terrier’s results included on the SCWT Endowment Database please read the following letter from Molly O’Connell, who is the Chair of Health for the SCWTCA. To open the letter in a new page, click on the following link – How to include test results on SCWT Endowment Database)

Therefore, your dog is now cleared by parentage for that disease. However, the results will only be shown as ‘clear by parentage for one generation’. This is due to the possibility of new mutations, or as yet undiscovered gene mutations developing. DNA based screening is an evolving science and is subject to change as technology and science advance.

Breeders should also read ‘UNDERSTANDING BREEDING COMBINATIONS – A Breeders’ Tool’ (an update January 2014) which can be found at the following link – Breeding Combinations

Further Information about PLN and DM are available on our health pages and in the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of GB Health Booklet at the following link – SCWT Health Booklet