The other thread got me thinking about this...

This is a dicey subject because some of the newer DNA based tests are not viewed by some as applicable to the breed's population as a whole. A breed parent club designates what is needed for a CHIC number. Since technically, (Read as: in the real world) we have 2 gene pools: field and show - (I won't address the generic backyard bred gene pool here, it's not a pool - it's a swamp! ) We have some diseases that are more prevalent in one gene pool than the other and vice versa.

For the show bred Labrador the biggest problem up until a few years ago was PRA. We have a DNA test for that now. Field breeders have just started using it here and there since PRA was not as prevalent with their bloodlines.

For field bred Labs - Their biggest issue was CNM - they now have a test for that also. This is also a devastating disease that should rightfully be addressed.

EIC was originally another field based issue which we are finding out through those utilizing the test that it is not necessarily a field gene pool only problem. A dog may have to get some serious exercise for it to show any symptoms for this. IMO it may have been assumed to be heat stroke quite often in the past. However, evidence suggests that a dog may have the gene for this but may live it's whole life and not be pushed to the point of collapse.

I'm not saying that some dogs don't get enough exercise to cause the problem to show itself, but why is it that it's not been a problem that needed to be addressed until now? In field bred dogs this can obviously ruin a dogs career. In a family pet it might not ever be an issue.

The big problem for show breeders now, and it's big, is TVD - we NEED a genetic test for this, sooner than later.

I'd rather have a dog that I know can be a regular dog as long as I don't over work him, rather than a dog with a bad heart that could drop dead at any moments notice.

Our parent club needs to look at the big picture here. And do the right thing regarding TVD.

If the National Field Champion dropped dead from TVD I'll bet you we'd have a real DNA test within the year.

I can't take my complete show line lab (not one single field lab in his pedigree) for runs in the woods without worrying about him collapsing. I would not like to sell a pet pup that someone could not go out and take walks with.

While I agree in concept, please don't under estimate the devastating impact of EIC has had with our friends and their Labradors in the field trial community. Is it a problem in our show Labradors?? Quite honestly I think the jury is still out on this. While I personally don't know of anyone who has had a Labrador with an EIC episode, I would be foolish to think that it is a non-issue. I also think the jury is still out on the current genetic test and only time will tell if we go down the road of the first Optigen release or we have something a lot better.
I am with you in wishing that our parent club shared our concern about TVD. In conversing with Fran Smith, the LRC is "looking into" contributing to the research to find the gene that is the culprit for this dreaded condition. The club is waiting on the approval of a grant application prior to considering providing financial support. Maybe if as owners, breeders, and exhibitors of our great breed would contact Dr. Fran Smith and fellow members of the LRC Board in mass, maybe funding for TVD would get off the back burner and get pushed into reality. Just my opinion, with the LRC being the organization that is the care taker of our breed, it's time they realized the concern we have for TVD in the conformation community and this concern is just as great as EIC is in the field trial area.

I SO second that emotion Gregg! The LRC, and in particular, Fran Smith as the head of the genetics committee, have not given TVD research the support it desperately needs. The AKC CHF won't even look at funding for it unless a Parent Club does, so there will be no support from AKC until the LRC shows and recommends their support. It is a problem that has had real affects on the breed and those of us who have had to deal with it in our lines would certainly like to have the LRC's support in funding for it.

I think our biggest problem is elbows ranking up there way above TVD. I haven't had four so far in several years, but in general conversation amoungst breeder friends it's quite prevalent. Moreso than TVD.

I know dogs who have had EIC but have never known anyone with a TVD dog. Just because my personal experience does not indicate it is an issue does not mean it isn't. I also have never known anyone with a CNM dog but I believe it is an issue. And I know many people who have dealt with epileptic dogs yet no one seems to want to talk about that subject at all. People are not even willing to submit blood samples for research when doing so would be at no cost to them.

For me, spending money on tests and using the results to help make informed breeding decisions is a better use of my money than what it would cost to treat (both financially and emotionally) affected dogs. And while my dogs have tested clear of CNM, EIC, etc. and I have no reason to suspect I have these issues, the results of my testing might help someone else who has carriers they would like to breed.