GM-1
GM-1 or Canine Gangliosidosis (Storage Disease) is a fatal liver condition which has been found in the PWD. To our knowledge there has not been a confirmed case of this disease in the UK. Inheritance of this disease is similar to PRA, in that it is a recessive condition which occurs when two carriers of the condition are mated together. However, unlike with PRA a dog can only be either clear of the disease or a carrier of the disease, as any dog who is affected will die during early puppyhood.
The Portuguese Water Dog Club of America have worked with NYU to develop a genetic test for this disease. Previously the test was performed on a sample of blood, but during 2006 it was announced that it is now possible to use the DNA extracted from cheek cells collected by mouth swab. For more information on this condition and the testing programme visit www.pwdca.com
Rysalka Zarzuela - Normal