Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers ONLY
What is Adult Paroxysmal Dyskinesia?
The research team at the University of Missouri Animal Molecular Genetic Lab has been studying a rare neurologic disease of Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers that can be clinically classified as a paroxysmal dyskinesia (PxD). The researchers are currently referring to the disease as Wheaten Paroxysmal Dyskinesia (or WPxD). Veterinary Neurologist, Dr. Dennis O’Brien, has described WPxD as an autosomal recessive, hereditary movement disorder. Signs typically begin between 8 months and 3 years of age and consist of episodes of abnormal tone or movement affecting one or more limbs. The hind limbs are most commonly affected but front limbs can also be involved. In a mild episode, the dog may just have an exaggerated flexion of one hind limb as it walks. Other times, it may have a stiff, stilted gait with a hunch-backed or twisted spine. In a more severe episode, there is repeated, irregular flexion and extension of the limbs and the dog may be unable to stand. In contrast to seizures, the dogs do not lose consciousness during an episode. Episodes can occur several times a day, and the length of the episodes can vary from minutes to hours. Between episodes the dogs can appear normal.
Research Available:
Test Results
Normal – This dog has tested normal (or clear) for the mutation known to cause WPxD. It can only transmit a normal gene to offspring, and can be bred to a dog with any test result with no risk of producing affected offspring.
Carrier – This dog has tested as a carrier for the mutation known to cause WPxD. There is no evidence that carrier dogs will develop clinical signs of WPxD. It may transmit either a normal gene or a mutated gene to potential offspring.
Affected/At-Risk – This dog has tested as affected for the mutation known to cause WPxD. It is at risk for developing clinical symptoms of WPxD, usually starting at 8 months to 3 years of age. If used for breeding, these dogs should only be bred to a mate DNA-tested normal to avoid risk of producing an affected offspring.
Tests are ordered online through the secure area of the OFA website. Payment is accepted by credit card (MasterCard and VISA). The OFA administers all order handling. Upon receipt of an order, the OFA will send out the test kit which will include a Foam-Tipped Applicator card for DNA sample collection, along with sample collection instructions. Using the FTA card technology, owners can safely collect DNA samples at home. The collection process is non-invasive, and no veterinary appointment is necessary.
Samples are then sent to the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine where the samples will be processed by the Small Animal Molecular Genetics Lab. Results will be forwarded to the OFA, and the OFA will issue the resulting report to the owner.
The fee for each test includes the test kit, laboratory processing, and subsequent registration in the OFA databases.