Test results are complex so get your vet to go through the them with you to explain what each result means for both PLE and PLN. This way you can learn to read the test results yourself. You should request a copy of the results in order to keep track of your wheaten's health and to send a copy to your wheaten's breeder.
It is vital that your wheaten's breeder receive a copy of the test results for the future of their breeding program. No breeder wants to breed sick dogs. It's also important that your wheaten's breeder be able to keep in contact with you for the same reason. If you change your phone number or address, please let the breeder know straightaway.
Test Results: Note to Breeder (PDF)
Depending on where the vet sends your wheaten's blood and urine samples, the results will come back against a 'reference range', i.e. what the normal high and low range of indicators are. If your dog's results are above or below the norm, get the vet to explain why.
Measurements in biochemistry are generally made in mmol/l (millimoles per litre) though some results may be in mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter) or g/l (grams per litre). Other measurements are umol/l (micromole per litre) and IU/L (international units per litre). Some do not have a reference range as they are measured against another result and others are measured in percentages. However, what is important is how your dog's results measure up against the reference ranges in combination and your wheaten's vet can advise you how to read them.
Here are positive test results for PLN bloodwork and urine-creatinine ratio (U:PC). This Australian dog was diagnosed with PLN by Dr Littman in 2005 and was put to sleep three weeks later after he stopped eating and drinking. His weight was dropping by a kilo a day in the last few days, and he was oedemic and suffering from pleural effusion.
There are a number of ways of keeping track of results. The easiest way is having your own spreadsheet and charting the results. The Maryland health tracker is downloadable for free. An email enquiry and payment is required for the Watchdog Health Tracker. This spreadsheet provides a baseline for your dog and shows changes in results. Please note that Wheaten Health Australia does not endorse these tools but provides the links for your information.
If your wheaten's vet suspects PLE or PLN, he or she should contact the American specialists for a specific diagnosis and treatment advice.