The blood and urine screening tests for PLE are the same for PLN and further information can be found on the PLN page, including a letter to take to the vet. How regularly is up to you but it is recommended that there be minimum yearly blood and urine tests for PLE. It is to be noted that testing provides results for the day of the test not a long-term prognosis so wheaten owners may wish to have their dogs tested several times a year.
How early to start testing is up to each individual wheaten owner. While the mean for dogs becoming affected by PLE is around 4 years and PLN is around 6 years, according to information on the US wheaten club website, dogs can be older or younger. Several Australian dogs who have died from PLN, for example, were diagnosed younger than the mean of 6 years.
Note: You do not have to see a specialist vet to either get tests done or treat a dog with PLE. In the case of testing, all you need are what tests are required. The blood and urine is sent to a lab. For treatment, a vet should refer the diagnosis to the American specialist, Dr Littman, for recommendations for treatment. Make your own vet familiar with the testing procedures and symptoms. Remember, a vet does not live with your dog, you do so you are more likely to know if there is something wrong or off with your dog.
The optional Fecal API test, mentioned on US wheaten websites, is unavailable in Australia. The Fecal API test examines fecal matter (i.e. poo) for signs of protein loss from the gastrointestinal tract.
In Australia loss of protein from the intestines is confirmed via a biopsy. A biopsy means your wheaten receiving an anaesthesia. If PLE is suspected, you will have to discuss with your vet whether this is a viable option for your dog. PLE is unlikely to be diagnosed without blood tests first.
It is strongly suggested that if your vet suspects PLE, he or she should immediately contact the US specialist in PLE/PLN, Dr Littman, to confirm the diagnosis. It is not recommended that an already sick wheaten be anaethestised.
If you belong to a wheaten club, discuss with the committee whether a PLE testing day is an option in order to send bulk fecal samples to the USA through a local laboratory. Sending samples is expensive and may not be a viable option, however, even in bulk.
PLE/PLN blood and urine tests.