Updated CHIC Requirements

ON JUNE 11, 2022, THE TTCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS VOTED TO UPDATE THE BREED’S CANINE HEALTH INFORMATION CENTER (CHIC) HEALTH TESTING REQUIREMENTS.

Starting January 1, 2023, the health screening requirements for CHIC  numbers will be updated to include DNA based test results for  PRA rcd4 and PRA3, as well as an OFA examination for patellar luxation.   The list of optional CHIC tests will be updated to include DNA based test results for Pituitary Dwarfism.

For more information on CHIC, please see:  https//ofa.org/chic-programs/

Tibetan Terrier Health Survey

On a periodic basis, the Health & Genetics Committee of the TTCA conducts a survey requesting information from all Tibetan Terrier owners in the USA.  The survey is designed to track the general health of Tibetan Terriers and to improve information regarding health research needs. This survey is now closed.  Information was submitted for over 600 Tibetan Terriers. This is the most recent in a long line of study regarding gathered health data about our TTs. We will report findings and a summary when the compilations are complete.

Six Panel Test Available for Tibetan Terriers

In addition to offering single DNA tests for hereditary conditions that can affect Tibetan Terriers, Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is now offering a panel of six DNA tests for Tibetan Terriers including NCL, PLL, Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA3, Progressive Retinal Atrophy rcd4, Pituitary dwarfism and Degenerative Myelopathy.

The cost of the 6 test “Tibetan Genetic PCR” panel (Code: 80366) is $230. Information about sample submission is available in the Lab’s catalog.

Currently, sample submission is done by submitting 2 ml of EDTA-treated whole blood (with potential cheek swab submission in the near future.)

Test for Pituitary Dwarfism Available

Recently, as described in New Advances in Genetic Testing: Dwarfism in Tibetan Terriers, the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab discovered a mutation associated with pituitary dwarfism in Tibetan Terriers. Pituitary dwarfism is an inherited, autosomal recessive condition that leads to dwarfism due to inadequate production of growth hormone. Affected dogs appear normal at birth, however, clinical signs develop over weeks to months that include small body size compared to littermates, lack of adult hair coat, and hair loss. Pituitary Dwarfism PCR testing is now available in the US through MSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (Order code: 80335) for $55. More information on sample collection and submission is available by searching the catalog for the “Pituitary Dwarfism PCR” or “80335”.

The TTHWF and TTCA would like to thank Dr. Matti Kiupel, DVM, Dr. Met.Med., Dr.Habil, MVSc, PhD, DACVP, Dr. Tuddow Thaiwong, DVM, PhD, DACVP and Dr. Sarah Corner DVM, PhD, DACVP for their research as well as the Tibetan Terrier owners and breeders who contributed to the research that made this discovery possible.

Samples from PRA affected Dogs Still Needed

Although DNA tests are currently available for the rcd4 and PRA3 forms of progressive retinal atrophy (“PRA”) which can occur in TTs, there appears to be other forms of PRA for which we do not have a DNA test. If you have a dog that been diagnosed with PRA (not accounted for by rcd4 or PRA3 testing), please consider submitting a blood sample to the University of Missouri to help further their research: Canine PRA Research Sample Submission. If you have questions about sample submission, please contact Liz Hansen at the University of Missouri.

Updated Information Sought for the Univeristy of Missouri's TT DNA Bank

If you contributed your dog’s DNA to the University of Missouri’s TT DNA bank, please remember to update your dog’s health information if your dog is diagnosed with a possible heritable disease (for example, PRA or other eye disease, deafness, orthopedic disorders, AIHA, lymphoma, etc.) since the sample was submitted. Such updates are very helpful in identifying samples that might be useful in future research projects! To update your dog’s information, please email Liz Hansen with the information as well as the dog’s registered name and registration number.