The 10th Golden Retriever National Championship Show
Entries Close Friday 21st April 2017
Adelaide ShowgroundsGoodwood Road
Wayville, South Australia, 5034
Australia
Ectopic ureters (also called ‘wet puppy syndrome’) is known to be a hereditary problem in Golden retrievers; however the mechanism for the inheritance of this condition is unknown. In the Entlebucher Mountain dog a recent study, using an ultrasound screening test of healthy dogs has identified 3 ureteric subtypes (A, B & C), with ‘A’ being normal, ‘C’ being ectopic and ‘B’ intermediate. Pre-mating ultrasound screening in this breed has achieved a reduction of the incidence of wet puppies from 26% to 10% over 3-4 years.
Cambridge University is undertaking similar research in the Golden Retriever. An ultrasound screening test is being used to assess whether three subtypes can be identified in the Golden Retriever and to see if there are clinically normal dogs present within the breed with type C ureters (ectopic).
The aim of the project is to determine whether an ultrasound screening (or DNA) test can be used to reduce the number of wet puppies and thus improve the health and welfare of the Golden Retriever. The project will hopefully shed light on how the condition is being transmitted and provide a strategy to reduce its incidence. The initial findings of the project can be found here
The National Golden Retriever Council agreed to conduct research into the age and cause of death for golden retrievers in 2002-3 after anecdotal information revealed the possibility of a significant incidence of premature death in the breed.
Participation in this survey is open to all pure breed golden retriever owners, whether ANKC registered breeders/owners, non-ANKC registered breeder/owners or pet owners. Participation by overseas golden retriever owners is welcome. Please complete this survey for every deceased pure bred golden retriever you have owned, complete one survey for each dog. Please do not complete the survey for dogs which are not pure bred golden retrievers.
Please click here to take the survey