Late in 2006 a new DNA test for FN was developed by Dr. Lee's and his team at the A & M University in America, became available to locate the gene mutation for this disease.  This is a major breakthrough for the health of the Cocker Spaniel.

 

Dr. Lees has stressed that " with WISE use of the test, using carriers on clears is OK " (quote).  He emphasised how the test will enable us to rid our lines of the possibility of producing affected animals in just one generation, and how it is important not to lose quality within the gene pool whilst eradicating the disease. As in any hereditary disease, an animal who is a carrier is physically normal, and will not be at risk of producing the condition in the future if breeding is controlled (by only mating to a clear animal). Use of the test gives us the opportunity to prevent the death of dogs from FN.

 

FN is inherited as a recessive trait. This means a disease gene must be inherited from each parent in order to cause disease in an offspring.  A carrier has one disease gene and one normal gene, and is termed “heterozygous” for the disease. A normal dog has no disease gene and is termed “homozygous normal” – both copies of the gene are the same. And a dog with two disease genes is termed “homozygous affected” – both copies of the gene are abnormal.

 

Although FN is inherited, it can be avoided in future generations by testing dogs before breeding. Identification of dogs that do not carry disease genes is the key. These "clear" dogs can be bred to any mate.  With a "clear " x "clear" mating all the offspring will be "Homozygous Normal", with a "carrier" x " "clear" mating, 50% of the offspring will be "carriers" and 50% "clear".  Any puppies from this combination will need to be tested prior to breeding to ascertain their status and a safe mating planned.

 

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