Glen of Imaal Terrier Club of AmericaGlen Health Issues

The Glen of Imaal Terrier Club of America takes the health of our breed quite seriously. The club's Constitution states our mission is to encourage and promote quality in the breeding of purebred Glen of Imaal Terriers and to do all possible to bring their natural qualities to perfection. It also stipulates that we are to safeguard and promote the improvement of the health of the Glen of Imaal Terrier.

If you are thinking about acquiring your first Glen the below information will help you make an informed choice.

1. What health testing should be done by your potential breeder? The Glen of Imaal Terrier Club of America in its Code of Ethics requires that the sire and dam of each litter be tested for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, crd3 for PRA, these test are only required once. A CERF exam is required every other year until the age of 8 years.

2. What is Hip Dysplasia? The hip joint consists of a "ball" on the femoral bone, and a "socket" on the hip bone. Canine hip dysplasia simply defined is when a dog's hips do not develop normally and the ball does not fit snugly into the socket. This can lead to arthritis and discomfort as the dog ages.

3. What is Elbow Dysplasia? Elbow dysplasia refers to several conditions that affect the elbow joint: osteochondrosis of the medial humeral condyle, fragmented medial coronoid process, ununited anconeal process, and incongruent elbow. An affected dog shows forelimb lameness and elbow pain.

4. What is crd3? The crd3 form of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is one of several cone rod dystrophies that have been recognized in multiple breeds of dogs, the Glen being one of them. PRA will lead to blindness. For further reading or to order a test kit for cone rod dystrophy go to https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/ or https://breeder.wisdompanel.com/ . With proper testing and breeding crd3 can be managed in the Glen of Imaal Terrier.

5. What is a CERF exam? CERF stands for Canine Eye Registration Foundation. A CERF or OFA eye exam is done by an ophthalmologist to check for eye problems. For further info go to www.offa.org/eyes.html

6. What is PCDU? PCDU stands for Premature Closure of the Distal Ulna. For an article on this condition go to glens.org and click on the Spring 2014 publication of the Glen Chronicles. PCDU can lead to abnormal growth of the front legs. PCDU will cause great pain.

7. Is it okay to ask my potential breeder for proof of testing required by the Glen of Imaal Terrier Club of America? Absolutely! Every breeder should be able to either show you copies of test results or point you in the direction of the Canine Health Information Center or CHIC for short. The website for CHIC is www.caninehealthinfo.org If your potential breeder has turned in GITCA-required test results, their dog will be issued a CHIC number. Another place to look up test results is The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals at www.offa.org

PLEASE NOTE THAT TESTING FOR ELBOW DYSPLASIA IS NOW REQUIRED FOR ALL DOGS BORN AFTER JUNE 30, 2013.

8. I hear that terriers are prone to allergies. Is this a problem with Glens? Glens can suffer from allergies. It is best to ask your potential breeder if the sire or dam of the litter suffers from allergies. It is always best to visit the breeder and see the sire and dam, if possible. Sometimes the sire may not reside with the breeder but you should always be able to visit with the breeder and meet the dam of the litter. Make an appointment in advance to do this with the breeder, at a convenient date and time for both of you.

9. What about temperament? The Glen temperament can be described as outgoing, friendly and intelligent. However some Glens, as they mature, can become dog aggressive. This is why early training and proper socialization is imperative. Again a visit to the breeder is important to see how their dogs interact with other dogs.