Over many years I have heard of the occasional litter being apparently affected by this disease, indeed I have been contacted by several of the breeders of such litters, and I felt somewhat lacking in knowledge and experience to offer them any meaningful advice, other than in the manner they dealt with devastated owners who had lost their much loved pet GSD puppy, in most cases between 4 and 6 months of age. 

During the last year or so there has been a spate of litters affected, where all or the majority of each litter have died in the same manner. Kidney failure through underdeveloped kidneys. 

Having had an enquiry to purchase one of my puppies from a couple who had very recently lost their adored 5 month old male GSD puppy, I invited them to come and visit to view my puppy, which they bought. However I found it a very emotional experience when they explained how they had lost their previous puppy aged 5 months with kidney failure, and how they were told by the breeder that four of the litter of seven had died of the same cause, and more deaths were possible amongst the remainder. This lovely couple were devastated and in tears over their tragic loss. (see the story of Buster below)

There and then I decided to start some very serious and thorough research into this terminal disease of renal dysplasia. 

It soon became apparent that there had been many years of denial within our breed with regards to its existence, and also varying degrees of suppression of information surrounded some affected litters. However with my ability to research and obtain information, coupled with my complete inability to be intimidated by anyone, including well known breeders and leading personalities within our breed, I soldered on. 

As I gained clearer information about the disease, most of which came from other affected breeds, I circulated this information by email throughout the GSD fraternity within the UK, and on occasions outside of the UK also. I was informing, raising awareness, and on a fishing trip. I was, as expected, NOT inundated with responses, but those responses I did get were very useful and gave me leads to various avenues of research to explore. 

After some 100+ hours of internet research, and various phone calls, I made a major breakthrough. I discovered that a Genetic DNA test for canine JRD had been developed in Canada, apparently late in 2007. This test was apparently developed for the Lhasa Apso dog breed, but is now used to test many more canine breeds. The test is done by DOGenes canine DNA services of Canada. 

DNA TEST FOR JRD

This DNA test (a swab of the gums) can identify whether a dog (male or female) is affected, a carrier, or free of the JRD disease. The normal charge for this DNA test is between 70 US$ and 155US$ per test. I am pleased to report that I have been offered some DNA tests for JRD free of charge by DOGenes Inc. of Canada, and they will send me the test swab kits also free of charge. There will obviously be postal charges. 

I would like to send swabs for analysis with this DNA test from a range of GSD, for example: 

1) Sire and/or dam of affected litters 

2) surviving puppies from affected litters 

3) affected GSD 

I may also be able to include swab samples from litters which the breeder is seriously concerned may develop the disease. Especially litters from a suspect line. 

I have identified two sires that appear in most, if not ALL cases of JRD that I have identified. (both Sires are in Busters pedigree) However until these DNA genetic tests are complete, it would be wrong for me to name them, however there is an urgency to collect these swab samples and complete the tests, so that breeders can make informed decisions regarding their future breeding plans, with due regard to this JRD disease. 

I envisage the possibility of GSD who are tested being identified as either – affected, carrier, or clear. 

I am also in contact with Animal Health Trust (AHT)of Newmarket, with a view to DNA tests for JRD being done by them, however that may require an agreement with DOGenes Inc. of Canada. 

If any GSD breeder or GSD owner in the UK is interested in one or more of their GSD being included in the free DNA test for JRD, please contact me, in strict confidence, and I will then get an idea of the number of tests desired, and see if I can obtain them all free. I would like to indicate numbers to DOGenes Inc. within the next 7 days.

David Payne - VIDEX GSD

Hi David, 

Please find scanned pedigree certificate of (KC reg. name supplied) Buster. If you need the original copy, please let me know. 

Brief history as requested: 

We purchased Buster from (details supplied) he was born on 18^th Aug 2007 and we collected him aged 8 weeks old. All seemed well with Buster at the time. He had a good appetite, was a healthy weight for his age. He was lively, happy & mischievous as you would expect. (See photo: Buster 1) 

This healthy development continued for a while but by the time he was 3.1/2 to 4 months old he had lost his appetite and was underweight (as confirmed by my Vet at this time) He also was very lethargic. This was followed by loss of bladder control and by this point his urine was as clear as water. 

At this point I telephoned the breeder and asked for advice on any food supplement that I could give to encourage him to eat, and was told that there had been a problem with some of his siblings and that I should take him to the vet for a blood test. Still unaware as to the terminal nature of the disease, I rang my vet and explained the situation who asked me to bring him over immediately, this was on Saturday 22^nd December 2007. A blood sample was taken and the results came through on Sunday 23^rd. The vet confirmed that Buster had Juvenile Renal Dysplasia and that it was terminal and all that we could do was to take him home and make him comfortable. (see picture taken on Boxing Day). 

Buster’s health declined very quickly after this and a little over a week later, we couldn’t stand to watch him suffer anymore. We returned to the Vet and on her recommendation, Buster was put to sleep. My wife was too upset to stay and had to leave but I stayed with him and He died in my arms, with my tears falling on him, with me telling him I loved him. This was the most upsetting and emotional time in all my 41 years and one that I do not wish ever to repeat. 

I do not blame the breeder for any of this as I’m sure She was as unaware of the situation as we were, but I do think that breeders in general should be more aware of this problem and the effects it has on the life of the purchaser and their family. 

I commend and thank you for your efforts in raising the awareness of JRD. If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know as I do not want anyone to go through the upset that we have. 

David I hope this info helps, although it seams to have taken the form of a personal therapy session rather than a brief history. Please keep me updated on your progress. 

Best regards 

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