SLEM (Shaking Puppy) is a neonatal neurologic disorder identified in Border Terriers. In 2017 the gene mutation that causes SLEM was identified. The test is currently available through OFA. It is inherited as a simple autosomal recessive. It is important that ALL SLEM (including carriers) results be entered on the open database. Knowing the SLEM status of an individual allows us to make sure we do not breed two carriers together. Carriers can be used in breeding programs with the hope that we can gradually reduce the frequency of the SLEM gene in the population without putting the breed through a genetic bottleneck. (See the articles by Jerold Bell, DVM.)
