Background
Dogs, affected by dwarfism, always show a combined deficieny of GH, TSH, LH/FSH and Prolactine. The hormone ACTH is present at normal levels. Cysts may occur in the hypophysis, however as this phenomenon is not always present the absence of cycts may lead to an incorrect diagnosis. A second causative mutation is known (ACA insertion). Compound heterozygosity also leads to dwarfism
Test specific information
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Age
Symptoms will develop at a young age. Within a few hours to a maximum of several weeks after birth, the characteristics that go with these genetic effects will become visible.
Throughput
Normally the result can be expected within 15 working days. This turn-around-time starts when both the sample and the fully filled-out and signed submission form have been received.
Location of disease or trait
Dwarfism is recognized by the reduced size of an animal. Due to the hormonal abnormalities in an animal, several complications arise in skin deformities, internal organs and pain as a consequence of the reduced size in the vertebra.
Breed dependence
This DNA test is available for the following breeds: German Shepherd, Saarloos Wolfhond , Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, Belgian Shepherd, Dutch Shepherd Dog.
Sample type
For this DNA test we accept the following materials: Blood EDTA, Blood Heparin, Semen, Swab, Tissue. Please contact PharmaDNA if you wish to submit other material as listed.
Result
An animal can be free and has in that situation two healthy alleles. When used in breeding this animal will not become ill due to the disease. It cannot spread the disease in the population.An animal can be carrier and has in that situation one healthy and one disease allele. When used in breeding 50 percent of the offspring will receive the disease allele. Carriers will not become ill.An animal can be affected and has in that situation two disease alleles. When used in breeding all offspring will also receive the disease allele. Affected will become ill.
Inheritance
This genetic factor is inherited in an autosomal, recessive, mode. This means, that the individual can be free of the disease (homozygote normal), affected (homozygous affected) or carrier (heterozygous). Carriers may spread the mutation in a population without showing symptoms themselves. Because of this, it is extremely important to identify carriers correctly to prevent spreading of a mutation.
Severity of Disease
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