L2 -HGA
L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria is a debilitating disease of Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and other breeds. L2HGA is inherited, and is passed on by dogs with a genetic mutation. Symptoms include wobbly walking, fits, muscle cramps and unusual behaviour. We fully recommend buying a puppy that DNA clear by parentage for L2-hga
Hereditary Cataracts is an “opacity”, or loss of transparency of the lens of the eye. The opacity may be confined to a small area of the lens, or it may affect the whole structure. A complete cataract affecting both eyes will result in blindness, whereas small non-progressive cataracts will not interfere with vision. Obvious cataracts occur between 9 and 15 months of age with further progression and maturity of the cataract between 2-4 years. This is a blinding condition if left untreated. We fully recommend buying a puppy that DNA clear by parentage for HC
PHPV – PERSITENT HYPERPLASTIC PRIMARY VITREOUS
The mode of inheritance of PHPV is not so clear, but it is known that it is a congenital condition (present at birth) and that it is not progressive. This means that if a puppy is born with PHPV it can be detected by ophthalmic screening from 6 weeks of age and if it is affected, whatever the condition of the problem at that stage it will not change throughout the dogs life.
Either of the above conditions can be operated on, but it is a serious operation and can be traumatic and very expensive. It is not always covered by insurance due to the hereditary nature.
PPSC – POSTERIOR POLAR SUBCAPSULAR CATARACT.
This type of cataracts is found in other breeds, particularly the Labrador and Golden Retriever.
It usually remains as a small, punctuate cataract and doesn’t usually lead to sight problems in these two breeds. It has been placed on schedule 3 of the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme because a number of Staffords that have been through the Scheme have been found to have this type of cataract. This type of cataract cannot be detected through litter screening. The mode of inheritance is unknown and has a variable age of onset.
BREEDING STOCK SHOULD BE TESTED ANNUALLY TO DETERMINE THAT THE DOG IS CERTIFIED CLEAR AT THE TIME OF MATING. PUPPIES SHOULD ALSO BE LITTER SCREENED BEFORE LEAVING FOR THIER NEW HOMES.