- Basenj
- West Highland White Terrier
Breeds Serviced
Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PK)
Pyruvate kinase deficiency in Basenji dogs is an inherited lack of an enzyme (pyruvate kinase) in the red blood cells of an affected animal. This enzyme is required for red blood cells to survive for a normal length of time in the blood of the animal, and when it is missing, the red blood cells break down and are destroyed prematurely. This leads to lifelong anemia in the affected animal. The symptoms of anemia are lack of energy, low exercise tolerance, easy fatiguability, and probably reduced fertility.
This disease is inherited as an autosomal recessive. This means that affected animals have two doses of the mutant gene. Dogs that have one mutant and one normal gene are called carriers. Carriers are not ill (they do not have anemia), but can produce affected offspring if mated to another carrier.
Based on research conducted at Michigan State University and the University of Michigan leading to the discovery of the mutation causing PK in Basenjis, VetGen is proud to exclusively offer a non-invasive, highly reliable DNA-based test to detect PK. This test provides breeders and owners a definitive diagnosis whether their dog is PK "Affected", "Carrier", or "Clear". With this information in hand, Basenji breeders and owners have key insight into their bloodstock and can proceed to make informed decisions about training, showing, and breeding plans for each dog.
