This article is easy to read yet very informative about
PLL.
PLL is Pulmonary lens
luxation.
The test is done
by the OFFA and it costs $65.
I
have read extensively about PLL and I find this article is a good summary of all the information I have read.
For me in my reading of this article a key
point is made here in this paragragh. "A very common disease";
About 27% of Jack Russells are carriers of the mutation. A dog develops the disease if it
carries two mutated copies of the gene. BOTH parents need to be carriers for the pups to have the possibility of developing
the disease. The "heterozygous" dog (healthy carrier) carries a normal copy and one mutated copy of the gene: it does not
develop the disease, but it transmits the mutation to 50% of its offspring.
By spending $65 and testing all our dogs and by responsible breeding we can ensure
that this disease does not affect our jacks.
Inadequate screening in the breed led to spread the mutation, and to increase the number of carriers without notice
of the breeders, veterinarians.
"As
the disease is common in the Jack Russell Terrier, it is strongly recommended not to exclude from reproduction heterozygous
dogs (carriers) at risk of losing genetic diversity in the breed, ameliorative features many stud dogs and brood bitches and
to let other genetic problems emerge.
As long
as breeders test their stud dogs and brood bitches, they can easily assure buyers that their Jack Russell Terrier puppies
will not develop this lens luxation, common in the breed"
I
think it is a huge mistake for breeders to eliminate all carriers from their lines as by doing so they may be eliminating
some of their best dogs and they may unintentionally be shrinking the diversity of the gene pool. A limited gene pool is what
can cause many genetic issues for a breed.
Please,
wherever you choose to buy your next Jack pup, choose from a responsible, knowledgeable and kind breeder.
Some of my favorite, old Irish lines, are PLL carriers. Through responsible
breeding I can ensure I continue this line of beautiful, healthy and special jacks. To discontinue this line would be a big
loss to Irish shorty jacks in America, as they are some of the best there are.
