SHIH TZU FANCIERS OF SOUTHERN CA

DNA Marker to Renal Dysplasia in Shih Tzu

Basic Facts. VetGen has discovered a linked DNA marker to a required genetic determinant of juvenile renal dysplasia (JRD) in these three breeds. There is strong linkage between this marker and the defective gene such that about 95% of the definitely affected dogs in these breeds have one or two copies of an allele we have called M (standing for mutant). At this marker locus, there is only one other allele called N (for normal). The population frequency of the M allele in the three breeds is about 30%.

Usefulness of Test. There is a high level of association of the M marker with a JRD determining gene. Depending on whether our marker is associated with a dominant-determinant or a recessive -determinant gene of JRD, the degree of predictability of the M marker for JRD susceptibility will vary a little. We have selected 80% as a conservative estimate of the predictability.

The simplest way to understand the value of this test is to consider the following. If you breed such that you produce an N/N puppy, you will have an 80% probability that you have produced a genotype that can't get JRD. Restated, you have decreased the risk of your puppy getting JRD by 80%. 

In the very simplest of terms, breeding away from the M marker significantly reduces the risk of JR puppies you produce.


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