Do researchers recommend all breeding stock be tested with the CEA mutation test?
YES. A breeder will not know if their breeding stock carries the CEA gene without doing the blood test. The HGC also recommends that breeding stock be cleared for this disorder to prevent the increase in carrier and affected rates in Tollers. Based on experience with Border collies and other CEA-affected sheepdogs, breeding advice would be the same for all genetically tested affected dogs, regardless of the clinical symptoms. It is known that mildly affected dogs can produce offspring that are severely affected.
