Primary Lens Luxation (“PLL”) is a painful and blinding eye condition that affects many breeds of dog and there have been a very small number of cases in the Portuguese Podengo, although not to the point where a Kennel Club screening scheme is necessary. When the KC believes there is any issue affecting an entire breed, it runs these schemes in conjunction with the breed clubs within the affected breed. The DNA tests that are used can accurately identify clear, carrier and affected dogs, and so can be used by breeders to avoid passing on the disease genes in their stock.

In order to prevent PLL becoming a problem, the Association has encouraged all breeders and owners to have their dogs tested and to report the results to our Health Administrator. Breeders are encouraged not to breed from affected dogs as this will hopefully eradicate the disease from the breed. Note that it is not always the case that affected dogs will produce more affected dogs: when two carriers are crossed, 25% (on average) of the offspring will be affected by the disease, 25% will be clear and the remaining 50% will themselves be carriers. DNA testing will reveal if a dog is:

• Clear: the dog will not develop PLL as a result of the mutation(s) tested for.
  
• Carrier: the dog carries the gene; independent research has demonstrated that carriers have a very low risk of developing PLL.
  
• Affected: this dog carries the gene and will almost certainly develop PLL during their lifetime.