General Information About JLPP In Rottweilers
Recently we became aware of an inherited disease in Rottweilers called JLPP (Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy). As soon as we became aware of this disease many Rottweiler breeders started getting their breeding dogs tested.
How is it inherited:
JLPP is recessive which means that both parents have to be carriers of the JLPP gene in order to produce an affected puppy. If at least one parent is clear then the breeding will not produce an affected puppy. If one parent is a carrier then the breeding will produce both carrier and clear puppies (but no affected). If both parents are clear then the breeding will produce only clear puppies.
Why is it important to test breeding dogs:
It is important to test for this disease as it is always fatal to affected puppies. There is no cure. Symptoms can start to manifest at 12 weeks of age, but, may take longer. Most affected puppies die before 1 year of age. This means that the breeder cannot tell without a DNA test if a puppy is affected before it leaves for it's new home at 8 weeks old.
What can I do:
Before buying a Rottweiler puppy make sure at least one of the parents has been tested JLPP clear. For most people (those not looking to breed) it does not matter if one of the parents is a carrier as long as the other is clear.
Do I need to test:
For most the answer is no. Only breeding dogs need to be tested.
If you have any questions about this disease feel free to ask.