Re: [pyrnet] help blood samples need for DNA

["Janice Swenson" <janices@austin.rr.com>]

On 25 Nov 2000, at 7:12, JGentzel@aol.com wrote:
> Why don't you tell us something about multifocal retropathy.  Has it been 
> identified in Pyrs?  Its name suggests to me it is eye related.  The breed 
> basically has not tested eyes very much.  Until just over a year ago the 
> "official word" was that cataracts and PRA did not occur in the breed.  Now 
> it is established as occuring across North America and testing must be done 
> to identify and educate owners and breeders.

Joe, 
My pyr was diagnosed with this eye problem.  I'm planning on 
taking him in for a confirmation with a local eye specialist so I can 
get samples sent up on him.  It's sort of like retinal dysplasia but 
not exactly.  He's characteristic of some pyrs with the disorder.  
We think his peripheral (side-to-side) vision is pretty much gone.  
He has to look at you straight on to really see you and he's had to 
be taught like a visually impaired dog.  He spooks at just about 
anything that comes in from the side.  From a training standpoint if 
you came up to him and didn't approach him right you'd think he 
was a shy dog when he's not.  Runs with the characteristic head 
low to the ground.  


Janice, janices@austin.rr.com
Lana & Linsey (newfs), Sonny (pyr)  
http://home.austin.rr.com/janices
Hutto, TX