DNA Test for Fucosidosis in English Springer Spaniels
Research groups in the UK and Australia have identified the genetic defect underlying fucosidosis in English Springer Spaniels. It is a deletion (ie a small segment of DNA is missing) within the gene a-L-fucosidase. On the basis of this information, we have developed a diagnostic test which will distinguish between normal, carrier and affected dogs. The test works by using the polymerase chain reaction to amplify the region of the gene that spans the deletion and then separating the DNA fragments on the basis of their size. The DNA fragment from the disease gene can be clearly recognised, being smaller than that from the normal form of the gene.
This test is now carried out on cheek swab samples (non-invasive). Cheek swabs are available free of charge from the Animal Health Trust.
Samples for testing should be sent together with a completed DNA Testing form and a cheque for £54 for each sample to Genetic Services, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU. DNA testing forms can be downloaded from our web site (http://www.aht.org.uk).
Swab kits and DNA testing forms can also be obtained by contacting Symone Ingram telephone +44 (0) 8700 509144 or fax +44 (0) 8700 502461 or via e-mail to swab.request@aht.org.uk.
***MEMBERS OF THE SPRINGERKLUBBEN (SWEDEN) ONLY should use the following DNA Testing form**
