Understanding Manchester Terrier health is an important component of a successful and ethical breeding program. Manchester Terriers are not generally known for eye problems, however, it was recently brought to my attention that both the Toy Manchester Terrier and Standard Manchester Terrier might be affected by a late onset form of Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) called Progressive Rod Cone Degeneration (PRCD).
Further investigation is needed to determine whether this disease may affect our breed. Progressive Rod Cone Degeneration (PRCD) only affects dogs with two copies of the genetic mutation, so a carrier would not be affected. It is NOT known whether a Manchester Terrier with two copies of the mutation for PRCD would be affected, but it’s a possibility. It is important for breeders to complete their dogs’ OFA Eye exams regularly as an ongoing part of a health test program, and not just once before breeding. PRCD can be detected on eye exam when it is advanced enough. You can read more about PRA-PRCD here.
For now, I am recommending that breeders perform DNA testing for this disease until more is known. Should a breeder have carriers, it is nothing to be concerned about, as long as two carriers are not bred together. Should you have a dog with two copies of the genetic mutation for PRCD, annual OFA eye exams (conducted by an ophthalmologist) are strongly recommended. I personally have ordered test kits for all my dogs from GenSolDX. We have tested and received results for our dogs and they are all clear from the genetic mutation, which is a great relief.
This new health test is being added to an already comprehensive list of breed-specific and recommended genetic testing and health exams that are performed on all of our dogs here at Maximal Manchester Terriers before breeding:
- von Willebrand’s Disease
- Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy
- Xanthinuria type 2A
- Autoimmune thyroiditis
- Legg-Calv-Perthes
- Patellar Luxation
- Eye Examination by a boarded ACVO Ophthalmologist
- Cardiac Evaluation by a Verterinary Cardiologist
- *NEW* Progressive Retinal Atrophy – Progressive Rod Cone Dengeneration (PRA-PRCD)
Video: Manchester Terrier Health Testing Basics for Breeders
