The PTCA is invested in promoting a healthy breed

The Patterdale Terrier Club of America – the official hub for enthusiasts, breeders, and owners dedicated to preserving the health, working ability, and future of this remarkable breed. As the premier organization representing Patterdale Terriers in the world., our mission extends beyond promoting the breed’s talents and working heritage. We are deeply committed to ensuring the longevity and well-being of Patterdale Terriers through education, responsible breeding practices, and community engagement.

One of the cornerstones of preserving the breed lies in addressing common health concerns that can affect Patterdale Terriers. While these dogs are known for their tenacity and resilience, certain genetic conditions can surface if left unchecked. The PTCA actively encourages breeders to perform health screenings and to breed only from dogs that demonstrate strong health and sound temperament. By identifying and removing dogs carrying hereditary issues from breeding programs, we can collectively reduce the risk of these conditions in future generations.

We urge all fanciers and breeders – whether seasoned or new to the breed – to familiarize themselves with these potential health concerns. Testing for issues like patellar luxation, eye problems, and heart conditions can make a significant difference in the overall health of the breed. For those considering adding a Patterdale to their family, we recommend seeking out breeders who transparently test their dogs and prioritize health alongside working ability. Together, we can ensure that Patterdale Terriers continue to thrive for years to come.

By working as a united community, we not only safeguard the breed’s health but also honor the tradition and dedication that has shaped the Patterdale Terrier into the tenacious, loyal, and capable dog it is today. Thank you for being part of the effort to protect and promote this extraordinary breed.

Patterdale Terrier Club of America December 2024

15

Primary Lens Luxation

By Lynde Capogreco

The lens is the transparent structure within the eye that focuses light on the retina, the area where vision occurs. It

is a flattened sphere held in place by tiny ligaments around its circumference. There are two main conditions that

affect the lens: cataract formation and lens luxation. Lens luxation affects many breeds of dogs, particularly the

terrier breeds, including Patterdale Terriers. Luxation occurs when the support ligaments of the eye weaken or

break, causing the lens to dislocate from its normal position. The lens can fall backward into the eye, known as

posterior luxation, where it rarely causes discomfort. It can also fall forward into the eye, called an anterior

luxation, where it blocks the drainage fluid from the eye resulting in glaucoma or increased intraocular pressure.

This condition is extremely painful and can cause permanent blindness. The only effective treatment for lens

luxation is surgical removal of the displaced lens. If surgical removal of the lens is not possible, then enucleation

(removal of the entire eye) may be performed to alleviate pain from the condition. Primary Lens Luxation (PLL)

because of the disease mutation, although they might develop PLL due to other causes, such as trauma or the

effects of other, unidentified mutations.

CARRIER (N/PLL genotype): These dogs have one copy of the mutation and one normal copy of DNA. The

majority of carriers do not develop PLL during their lives, but a small percentage do. It is currently unknown why

some carriers develop the condition whereas the majority do not, but it is advised that all carriers have their eyes

examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist every 6- 12 months from the age of 2, throughout their entire lives.

GENETICALLY AFFECTED (PLL/PLL genotype): These dogs have two copies of the mutation and will almost

certainly develop PLL during their lifetime. It is advised that all genetically affected dogs have their eyes

examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist every 6 months, from the age of 18 months, so the clinical signs of PLL

are detected as early as possible.

Breeding Advice:

Research has demonstrated that the frequency of the PLL mutation is extremely high in the PLL-affected breeds.

This means that allowing only CLEAR dogs to breed could have a devastating effect on breed diversity and

substantially increase the likelihood of new inherited diseases emerging. Therefore, it is strongly advised for

breeders to consider all their dogs for breeding, regardless of their PLL genotype. GENETICALLY AFFECTED and

CARRIER dogs can be bred with, but should only be bred to DNA tested, CLEAR dogs. All puppies from any litter

that has at least one CARRIER parent should be DNA tested, so that the CARRIERS can be identified and followed

clinically throughout their lives. This practice should be followed for at least one or two generations, to allow the

PLL mutation to be slowly eliminated from the population without severely reducing the genetic diversity of

breeds at risk.

For more information about PLL, the testing process, and test pricing, please visit:

https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/test/primary-lens-luxation#Price

https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/pricing/#tab_individual

https://embarkvet.com/products/dog-health/health-conditions/primary-lens-luxation/

https://www.ofora.com/lens-luxation/

is secondary to other conditions such as uveitis, glaucoma, cataract,

cancer of the eye, or trauma, but in some dogs, it is an inherited eye

condition. The disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion,

so both males and females are equally affected. PLL appears

spontaneously between 3-8 years although both eyes are not

necessarily affected at the same time. Dogs with one copy of the

mutation most often show no sign of PLL but can, on occasion,

develop the disease. Breeding between two carriers is expected to

produce 25% affected offspring. Testing for PLL assists owners and

breeders in identifying affected and carrier dogs, and breeders can

use results from the test as a tool for selection of mating pairs to

avoid producing affected dogs. Genetically tested dogs will receive

one of the designations below:

CLEAR (N/N genotype): These dogs have two normal copies of

DNA. Research has demonstrated clear dogs will not develop PLL

Patterdale Terrier Club of America