New DNA testing scheme for vizslas
The breed’s popularity has risen steadily over the years, and the population is now more than double what it was a decade ago.
A new DNA testing scheme has been approved for hyperuricosuria (HUU) in Hungarian wire-haired vizslas.
HUU is characterised by elevated levels of uric acid in the urine and predisposes dogs to form stones in the bladder or sometimes kidneys. Surgery is often required to remove them.
The disorder has been associated with a mutation in the urate transporter gene, SLC2A9. It is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait; dogs with two copies of the gene will be affected.
Expected outcomes of matings are as follows:
- Clear x clear = 100% clear
- Clear x carrier = 50% clear + 50% carriers
- Clear x affected = 100% carriers
- Carrier x clear = 50% clear + 50% carriers
- Carrier x carrier = 25% clear + 25% affected + 50% carriers
- Carrier x affected = 50% carriers + 50% affected
- Affected x clear = 100% carriers
- Affected x carrier = 50% carriers + 50% affected
- Affected x affected = 100% affected
The new testing scheme has been approved by the Kennel Club following consultation with the breed health co-ordinator, on behalf of the Hungarian Wire-haired Vizsla Association (HWVA). The HWVA is urging breeders to test their breeding dogs to help generate a clearer picture of the breed’s genetic status.
Kennel Club secretary Caroline Kisko said the breed’s popularity has risen steadily over the years, and the population is now more than double what it was a decade ago. According to the club’s figures, 252 wire-haired vizslas were registered in 2007, rising to 682 in 2016.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
