Annual Health Testing Recommendations & The PLN Variant Gene Test Information

Health Testing protocols as recommended by Dr. Meryl Littman, Professor Emerita DVM, ACVIM, DACIVM

Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States
  • Health Testing should start at age 1 and include:
    • Biochemical Profile aka Chem Screen – includes total protein, albumin, globulin, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), SDMA, cholesterol, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, etc.
    • Complete Blood Count (CBC)
    • Urinalysis – including specific gravity, dipstick, and urinary sediment
    • Urine Protein/Creatinine Ratio (UPC) or a Microalbuminuria (MA) test.  These are add-on tests to the urinalysis and need to be requested.
    • In tick or heartworm endemic areas, a SNAP-4DxPlus or AccuPlex4 test.
  • If you are concerned about finicky appetite, gulpies, occasional gastrointestinal signs, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or PLE in the dog or its relatives, ask your vet about additional testing such as fecal examinations, the TAMU GI panel-plus (B12/folate/TLI/PLI with resting cortisol added), and the TAMU Alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (A1-PI) fecal test. Visit the Wheaten Health Endowment to obtain a test kit for the Alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor fecal test. Read More Here>>
  • Blood Pressure Measurement (BPM): Ideally, the vet will obtain the dog’s BPM during each healthy visit (starting at 1 year of age), in order to get a baseline and to get the dog used to having the procedure done.

The PLN Variant Gene DNA Test is Recommended for All Wheaten Terriers:

It is recommended that each Wheaten Terrier dog have its DNA sample tested for the PLN‐associated variant alleles. The results will determine what risk group (low, intermediate, or high) the dog is in for developing PLN during its lifetime. Please see DNA Testing for more information on this site.

**Please consider sending your dogs DNA testing to the database for research purposes. We track how the dogs that have had DNA testing are doing. Each test result sent to the database is eligible for a $20 rebate.

There are no genetic tests yet for PLE, IBD, RD/JRD, or Addison’s disease. Dogs that are carrying one or two copies of the PLN‐associated variant alleles should be checked for proteinuria more often, perhaps 2‐4 times a year, especially after age 3 years.

Remember to keep a copy of all health testing performed by your veterinarian in your files at home.

Additional Protocols for PLN in DNA Tested Dogs

  • If your dog’s results are Heterozygous (i.e., having 1 copy of the variant alleles):
    • In addition to regular annual blood and urine screening tests, a UPC or MA might be checked every 6 months beginning at age 2-4 years.
    • If abnormalities are found, further testing is warranted.
  • If your dog’s results are Homozygous Positive (i.e., having 2 copies of the variant alleles):
    • In addition to regular annual blood and urine screening tests, a UPC or MA is recommended minimally every 6 months beginning at age 2 years.
    • If abnormalities are found, further testing is warranted.
  • If you have not had DNA testing done:
    • It is recommended you follow the guidelines for a Homozygous Positive dog.

Note:  No matter the result of your dog’s DNA test, testing at least annually is still important.

  • Shelly Vaden, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, Professor Internal Medicine, North Carolina State University is available for consultation ONLY with veterinarians.  If you wish a consultation, please have your vet contact her at slvaden@ncsu.edu

As one of our tenured breeders, Beth Sorenson said to the Health Committee “A urinalysis is a Wheaten’s best friend”.