Health and Genetics

Keystone Tollers is committed to the health of our dogs and the breed as a whole and embraces transparency as part of that commitment. The Toller is a relatively healthy breed, however no breed of dog and no breeding program is without the possibility of health issues. Many factors are considered when deciding which individuals to pair for breeding. While no one can guarantee that a puppy will be 100% healthy, we do extensive health testing before every breeding to create the best possible outcome. The screening and tests we consider for every breeding animal are listed below.

OFA Screening

 

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia -  radiographic evaluation and grading by a board certified radiologist

Thyroid function - regular screening for normal thyroid function, free T4, free T3, TSH, TGAA

Cardiac health - vetrinary auscultation for normal rythem or echocardogram with a cardiologist 

Eye health - complete OFA eye exam with board certified veterinary opthamologist to rule out heritable conditions

 

Genetic testing

 

Cardiac Laminopathy (CLAM) is a fatal heritable condition that results in dilated cardiomyopathy and sudden death in young adult Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers

Cerebellar Degeneration-Myositis Complex (CDMC) is a heritable disorder that causes neurological signs that manifest as early as 10 weeks of age in affected Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers.

 

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is an inherited neurologic disorder of dogs characterized by gradual muscle wasting and loss of coordination typically beginning in the hind limbs.

 

Degenerative Encephalopathy (DE) In this encephalopathy there is degeneration of a region of the brain called the caudate nucleus. The caudate nucleus is a part of the brain that is important in controlling movement and some aspects of behavior.

 

Juvenile Addison's Disease (JADD) Addison’s disease occurs when the adrenal glands stop secreting necessary natural steroid hormones. In the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, a genetic form of Addison's disease can occur in puppies.

 

Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd) is an inherited form of late-onset progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) that has been identified in many dog breeds.

 

Chondrodystrophy (CDDY and IVDD) a trait that is characterized by a short-legged phenotype, also impacts the health of dogs. Dogs with at least one copy of the mutation have premature disc degeneration and increased susceptibility to disc herniation.

 

Cleft Lip/Palate and Syndactyly (CLPS) is a genetic variant that causes development of cleft palate and/or cleft lip, sometimes also accompanied by syndactly (fused toes)

Cleft Palate (CP1) There are multiple genetic causes of cleft palate within the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever breed. The most common form has been identified as CP1.

 

Dilute (D Locus/Blue) Several gene variants are known to produce dilute coloration in dogs. Colors are lightened (diluted) to paler shades as a result of the variants' effects on pigmentation.