Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG)
With the development of a diagnostic cheek swab test for the POAG mutation in PBGVs, we can eliminate POAG in our beloved breed.
What is POAG?
Primary glaucoma is an inherited condition of two types: open (POAG) and closed (PCAG) angle glaucoma. In both forms, glaucoma results from reduced drainage of fluid within the eye, causing a build-up o pressure that leads to pain and blindness. For closed angle glaucoma, a screening technique called gonioscopy can identify dogs at risk.
POAG is a genetic mutation that is carried by many PBGVs, Fortunately, there is a DNA test that will determine whether a PBGV is unaffected (has inherited normal genes from both parents), a carrier of the mutation (inherited one copy of the mutation from a parent), or an affected dog (inherited the mutation from both parents).
It is important that you know the POAG status of your PBGVs!
How can you have your PBGV tested?
The following laboratories offer the DNA test to detect POAG in PBGVs.
Veterinary Genetics Lab, Univ California Davis, US
$50 for one test, $30 for additional tests.
Other options:
Canine Genetic Testing, Cambridge UK
Animal DNA Diagnostics, Ltd., Cambridge UK
Wisdom Panel Premium, Mars, Inc., US
Follow the links for instructions on how to have your PBGV tested.
Note that the Wisdom Panel is much more expensive than the other choices and it tests for many genetic traits that are not relevant to our breed.
Learn how to obtain a cheek swab sample HERE.
After the test . . .
The Foundation asks that you please submit your test results to the OFA open database. To do so, download and complete the Application for DNA Based Genetic Database and submit the form along with the results of the test. Owners submitting results will incur a fee as indicated on the form.
The Foundation will reimburse $40 per PBGV to PBGVCA members who test their dogs and submit the results to the OFA database. In addition, PBGV owners who reside in North America but who are not Club members are also eligible for reimbursement.
To request reimbursement, send a copy of the OFA confirmation by mail or email to the Foundation treasurer:
Jo Anne Hacker, 10832 N.E. Country Club Road, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, jah10832@gmail.com.