The Kennel Club has approved a new official DNA testing scheme
for Acral Mutilation Syndrome (AMS) in Cocker Spaniels,
following consultation with the Health Coordinator on
behalf of the breed clubs.
This test is offered by Antagene (www.antagene.com) and further
details can be obtained directly from them. As the Kennel Club does
not have an agreement in place for the direct receipt of results
from this laboratory, results can only currently be recorded upon
owner submission.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: "The Kennel Club is
constantly reviewing DNA testing schemes in conjunction with breed
clubs to ensure that breeders are able to continue breeding healthy
dogs.
"We are pleased to be announcing this new DNA test for Cocker
Spaniels, which will help breeders make informed decisions when it
comes to breeding, enable potential puppy buyers to be aware of
issues which could affect their chosen breed, and ultimately
protect and maintain the health of the breed.
"The Kennel Club continues to work alongside breed clubs and breed
health coordinators, in a collaborative effort to improve the
health of pedigree dogs. We are happy to accommodate a club's
request to add a new DNA test to its lists and would normally need
a formal request from the breed's health coordinator or a majority
request from the breed clubs."
Test results will be added to the dog's registration details which
will trigger the publication of the result in the next available
Breed Records Supplement. The result will appear on any new
registration certificate issued for the dog and on the registration
certificates of any future progeny of the dog, and also on the
Health Test Results Finder on the Kennel Club website. Results for
dogs already tested can also be recorded, but owners will need to
submit copies of the DNA certificates themselves.
If the owner includes the original registration certificate for
the dog (not a copy) then a new registration certificate will be
issued, with the DNA result on it, free of charge. Please
send any DNA test certificates to Health & Breeder Services,
The Kennel Club, Clarges Street, London, W1J 8AB or scan and
email copies of the certificates to hbs@thekennelclub.org.uk.