Butterflies in my stomach, I patiently waited while the tests were done. And then the vet looked me in the eye and said, "Her eyes are normal." Say what???? Blinking, I looked at him confused, and pointed to the copy of the DNA test. So now I have a nice certificate saying my dog is Affected, and I have another one saying my dog is Normal. Just a bit confusing. He basically said that there are all kinds of variations and while my dog may have the DNA profile she clinically does not have the disease. The results will have no affect on her ability to see and work. And I should feel free to breed her if she has merit. (This one I didn't even ask to know.) Good to know. He did say because of the DNA results to make informed decisions around the breeding aspect (ie. breed Normal). He said a bunch of other things that made me go, "Hunh, really?? Who knew!" that I won't get into because I don't want to create a firestorm. It was a great learning experience for me.
I have to say that was the best and most worthwhile vet bill I've ever paid. Peace of mind - priceless!
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I am sooo relieved for you!!! Yipppeeeee!!!! You and your furry creatures are welcome to crash with us anytime!!! :)
Knowing that her eyesight will not effect her working ability is great news, however understand that every pup she produces will be at the very least, a carrier. Which is exactly what the vet told you when he said to only breed her to "Normal" dogs.
BTW, the vet you saw may have also told you that that's why pups with a risk of CEA are routinely eye tested by the age of 7 weeks - because some of them can "go normal". Hence the benefit of the DNA test as it doesn't matter how old the dog is when tested.
Sorry, I guess I wasn't clear. The eye exam was for me to find out how significant the CEA was for the health of my dog. And that question was answered. I also appreciated the knowledge this vet was willing to share with me. I took it as an unbiased learning experience.
I've already posted on the DNA results and that was not the intended focus of this post. By no means, did I intend to say that Reba was not affected. In fact, I'm pretty sure I said her DNA results are Affected early in this post. I'm sorry if you misunderstood.
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