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L-2-HGA in Staffordshire Bull Terriers is a nurometobolic disorder it affects the central nervous system with signs showing between 6 and 12 months. These can include epileptic seizures, wobbly gate, tremors after exercise or excitement.
It was probably started by mutaion or damage to one dog but one in the population can be passed on to others
The Mutated gene responsible has recently been identified and a DNA test has now been developed. The test not only identifies the affected dogs but those who are carriers of the disease (these do not suffer from it but can pass it on.) therefore the disease would be eradicated if all these animals were not used for breeding. 
IT IS THEREFORE ADVISABLE THAT ALL BREEDING STOCK BE SCREENED IN ORDER TO ERADICATE THIS CONDITION IN THE FUTURE.
TESTING CAN TAKE UP TO 6 WEEKS FOR RESULTS SO PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THIS DONE IN PLENTY OF TIME BEFORE YOUR PLANNED MATING.
For more Information about testing Your Staffordshire bull terrier please visit the Animal Health Trust
HEREDITARY CATARACT IN STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER
Hereditary cataracts or HC is an eye defect which can be passed on through breeding lines in Staffordshire bull terriers.
In order for a puppy to contract HC and to display symptoms, both parents must have the gene which is responsible for the illness. If only 1 parent has the gene, puppies become carriers, but will not show symptoms – this is known as a recessive form of the illness.
If both Dam and Sire are carriers and have the recessive gene, the litter of puppies from that mating will have the illness and will show symptoms – this will begin with small white patches on the surface of the eye – these will grow over time.
The illness is progressive and degenerative, but will not manifest itself until a puppy is 8 or 9 months old. The cataracts are Bi-lateral; this means that BOTH eyes will be affected leading to eventual blindness. Eye surgery can sometimes help – but not in 100percent of cases. There are very few eye experts in the UK and the procedure is very expensive.
Dogs can now be given a DNA test to ensure that they are clear of the gene that causes HC. Any decent breeder will have their dogs checked before breeding and can show you certificates to prove that the Dam and Sire are clear.
Clear puppies can have the results added to their KC papers, if both the Sire and Dam have their certificates to prove they are clear and have been registered with the kennel club.
For more Information about testing Your Staffordshire bull terrier please visit the Animal Health Trust
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