HEALTH OF THE TOY FOX TERRIER
“If you are considering getting a TFT, you will want to make sure your breeder tests for these conditions.”
First of all, the easiest conditions to manage in this breed are the genetically passed conditions that currently have DNA tests. These conditions are congenital hypothyroidism with goiter (CHG), primary lens luxation (PLL), spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), and degenerative myelopathy (DM). For CHG, SCA, and DM, the genes and expression of the genes are “clear,” “carrier” (not affected), and “affected.” PLL is a little different because the
expression of the genes are “clear,” “carrier/low risk,” and “affected.” With proper DNA testing, these conditions are relatively easy for breeders to manage with both clear and carrier dogs in their breeding programs. If you are considering getting a TFT, you will want to make sure your breeder tests for these conditions. The next health condition to be aware of in this breed is patella luxation. When TFTs are one-year-old or older, they can have their patellas certified through OFA. All breeding dogs should have their patellas evaluated by a veterinarian prior to breeding and throughout their lives. Having a sire and dam with good patellas does not guarantee that all of their puppies will have good patellas, but the chances
314 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MAY 2023
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