NTUAS Study
In late 2015, the Norwich Terrier Club of America (NTCA), along with the American Kennel Club’s Canine Health Foundation (CHF) and primary researcher Dr. Bryden Stanley of Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine began a multi-site, collaborative study of NTUAS. The goal is to clearly characterize the condition in Norwich terriers of all ages and provide a base for future research into the syndrome.
Collaborating veterinary schools include Michigan State, University of California Davis, Texas A&M, and The University of Pennsylvania. Enrollment for the study is now closed, but spots are available on wait lists (see links below). Veterinarians at these sites have seen scores of Norwich terriers over the past 18 months and have vast experience in evaluating this breed - please consider traveling to one of these sites if you suspect your dog may have an issue.
Resources
You can keep up with the latest on NTUAS and the study by visiting the NTCA website (norwichterrierclub.org) and “liking” our Facebook page (facebook.com/NorwichTerrierUAS). The NTCA website has a large and growing library of health articles specific to Norwich terriers.
If you would like to donate to the NTUAS health study, please visit akcchf.org/NTUASdonate
Information about joining the study (wait list) is available at https://cvm.msu.edu/scs/research-initiatives/ntuas/about-the-ntuas-study
Subscribe to the Norwich Terrier News, the twice-yearly magazine of the NTCA (norwichterrierclub.org/the-club/club-activities/the-norwich-terrier-news)
What is Norwich Terrier Upper Airway Syndrome?
Norwich owners and breeders have been aware of the “snort and snuffle” respiratory noises and raspy breathing that some Norwich exhibit. Symptoms are quite variable, ranging from loud breathing, to exercise and heat intolerance, to severe respiratory distress and death. This condition, which is now being called Norwich Terrier Upper Airway Syndrome (NTUAS), appears to be breed-specific and involves complex genetic changes to the upper airway, specifically the larynx. The larynx is a complex structure that controls the amount of air that enters into the trachea (windpipe) and lungs. If the larynx is obstructed in any way, respiratory distress will ensue.
Knowledge of this condition is not widespread in the veterinary community, and Norwich are often evaluated improperly and misdiagnosed.