American Staffordshire Terrier and Pitbull Terrier ONLY
Polyneuropathy with Laryngeal Paralysis (PLP)
American Staffordshire Terrier and Pitbull Terrier PLP is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that becomes apparent when affected puppies reach 3 or 4 months of age. Typically, the first sign is breathing difficulty which causes choking, aspiration, and possible pneumonia. The signs progress to generalized muscle weakness necessitating euthanasia. Based on our studies to date, it appears that there are 2 forms of the disease in American Staffordshire Terriers. We offer a test for the more common form. The genetic basis for the other form remains to be determined. Therefore, your dog could still be at risk for PLP even if it does not have the mutation we test for.
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.