Canine Genetic Disorders: What Every Dog Owner Should Know

In the world of dogs, genetics is key. Genes shape everything about your dog’s life, from the function of every tiny cell to the behaviour you love to see. Unfortunately, genetics also set the stage for your dog’s vulnerabilities.  Genes can often lead to genetic disorders which can negatively impact a dog’s life. What to do?

Understanding dog genetic disorders is a total game-changer for both you and your dog. With the right knowledge, you can act proactively. Knowing what you’re dealing with lets you care properly for your dog. Knowing about your dog’s genetics arms you with the information you need to make the best choices when it comes to  treatment, breeding, diet and care. 

Canine genetic disorders are a potential part of every dog’s life so, being in-the-know, and knowing early will definitely ensure a happier life for your dog, and by extension, a happier life for you. In this post, we’ll dive into some of the specifics of canine genetic disorders. We’ll look at the role of dog genetic testing, and how easy home testing might make all the difference. Let’s get straight into the heart of your canine companion’s genetic health. 

Understanding Genetics in Dogs

The Basics of Canine Genetics:

Dogs carry a wealth of genes. Genes are tiny segments of DNA that guide the development of a dog’s physical and behavioural traits. Imagine genes as a blueprint, a building plan of sorts that shapes every detail of your dog’s unique being.

Sometimes, gene mutations occur, which are errors in this genetic blueprint. These mutations can lead to various disorders, impacting a dog’s health and quality of life. If you think of genes as a collection of blueprints, or plans, for building a house, then genetic disorders are misprints in those plans. 

Imagine having a faulty building plan – that’ll lead to a house being built with problems in it; leaky plumbing, weak supporting walls, not enough ventilation… In the same way, a mutation in your dog’s genetic blueprint can cause problems too.

Certain breeds carry specific genes that are known to lead to breed-specific disorders. For example, there is a gene mutation (the MDR1 gene), often found in Border Collies, that leads to them being very sensitive to drug treatments.

This sensitivity can be dangerous if you ever need to treat your collie with some kind of medication. If you know about it beforehand, then you can adjust your medication strategy accordingly.

But, if you don’t know about it…disaster! As we navigate the canine genetic landscape, understanding these concepts empowers you to provide the best care for your furry friend. Let’s delve deeper into specific disorders and the role of genetic testing in the sections to come.

Common Canine Genetic Disorders

Over the last fifty years advances in dog genetics and testing have led to an explosion of helpful information. This information has led to new techniques and technology to help our furry canine friends.

Many genetic disorders have been described – way too many to list in this short article, so we’ll look at twenty of the most common. Each disorder is vastly better managed if detected early and correctly planned for.

1. Collies & Drug Sensitivity (MDR1 Mutation): This mutation (called MDR1) usually affects herding breeds like Border Collies. If your collie has this mutation then they could be sensitive to certain common medications. Awareness of this mutation allows for medication adjustments to ensure safe treatment. This is something home testing can easily do, and the benefits are massive.  [1] [2]
   
2. von Willebrand’s Disease: Common in Doberman Pinschers. Dogs with this disease can bleed a lot, just like people with haemophilia. Why do they bleed a lot? Because their blood doesn’t clot properly and just keeps flowing. Sadly, there is no definitive cure. But, if you know about it you can do a whole bunch of things to manage the risks. Knowing about vWD helps to keep your dog safe and happy.  [3]

3. Brachycephalic Syndrome: This serious sounding medical name just means having a weird shaped head. Think of pugs, or bulldogs. Pugs and Bulldogs were intentionally bred to look the way they do. Sadly, the weird characteristics of their head anatomy can often lead to problems breathing.
   
   If your dog has problems breathing easily they can also overheat because their panting can be affected. The thing with this genetic disorder is not that the disorder is unusual, but more that it is a feature of those specific breeds. But, if you know about it, you can manage their weight to help them. If needed, you can also do surgery, although surgery should always be a last option. [4]
   
4. Spinal Degeneration (Degenerative Myelopathy): Common in German Shepherds. This disorder causes paralysis that begins with the back legs and then slowly creeps to other areas of the body. No cure is currently available, but physical therapy can really help your dog to deal with the symptoms. [5]
   
5. Enlarged Heart Problems (Dilated Cardiomyopathy): Prevalent in Doberman Pinschers and Boxers. You’d think a big heart would be a good thing, it isn’t. Making your heart chambers too big can mean that the heart muscle is too thinly stretched out. This weakens the blood-pumping power of the muscle. Heart failure is the danger here, but medication and diet management can really help a lot. [6]
   
6. Elbow Dysplasia: Dysplasia is just a fancy medical word for ‘disorganisation’. So, what the hell does a “disorganised elbow” mean? It just means that there are strange cells in the elbow joint and bone. Not only that but the arrangement of cells in the bone and joint is abnormal. It isn’t cancer, but it can lead to cancer. Most often though, this weird organisation of the joint leads to lameness and pain. Often found in large breeds like the Dogue de Bordeaux or English Mastiff. Physiotherapy and surgery are options for treatment. [7]
   
7. Canine Hip Dysplasia: Same disorganisation as above, but this time in the hip joint. Common in large breeds like German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers. Symptoms include difficulty moving and pain. Treatment options range from physiotherapy to surgery. Early diagnosis can help manage the condition and maintain a good quality of life. [8]
   
8. Progressive Blindness (Progressive Retinal Atrophy): If you think of an old style camera, then the film in the back of the camera is just like the retina in your eye. Light lands on it after being focused by the lens and this helps produce the image. If your retina slowly degenerates, then it’s like the film in your camera degenerating – eventually your images won’t form. This is what happens in dogs with gradual (progressive) Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – their retina slowly degenerates resulting in slowly going blind. Seen in breeds like the Irish Setter and Miniature Schnauzer. There is currently no cure, but adaptations can be made to help dogs with PRA lead comfortable lives if caught early.. [9] [10]
   
9. Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA): Primarily affects Collie breeds. Symptoms can range from minor problems with seeing to complete blindness. No specific treatment is available, but regular vet check-ups can really help manage the condition. [11] [12]
   
10. Canine Epilepsy: Affects many breeds, including Beagles and Belgian Tervurens. Symptoms are recurrent seizures. Management usually involves anti-seizure medication. [13] [14]
    
11. Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism): Common in breeds like Golden Retrievers. Symptoms include a lack of energy (lethargy), weight gain, and skin problems. It’s usually managed with hormone replacement therapy. [15]
    
12. Dislocated Kneecap (Luxating Patella): Indeed, usually a dislocated kneecap happens because of some event that damages the kneecap. But, it turns out that certain breeds of dog are particularly vulnerable to having weirdly positioned kneecaps. In fact, more often than not, luxated patella in dogs are the result of inherited genes. Often found in small breeds like Yorkshire Terriers. It causes periods of lameness and pain that come and go. Depending on how bad it is, surgery might be needed. [16]
    
13. Deformed (Polycystic) Kidney Disease (PKD): Seen in Bull Terriers. PKD is when little growths (cysts) form in the kidneys, and end up changing the shape of each kidney – affecting the way the kidney works. Since kidneys manage water and purify the blood (amongst many other things), when your dog has this they tend to get very thirsty and pee too often (way too often). While there’s no cure, dietary changes and medication can help manage the condition. [17]
    
14. ‘Bloat’ (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, GDV): Common in deep-chested breeds like Cane Corsos and Great Danes. Symptoms include swollen tummies and distress. When it happens it’s serious and needs immediate surgical intervention. Being forewarned is being forearmed to recognise the symptoms and act fast – saving your dog’s life!  [18]
    
15. Cushing’s Disease: Often found in breeds like Dachshunds and Poodles. This disease makes your dog release too much cortisol. Cortisol is a chemical normally released by the adrenal glands, it is needed – but too much, and major issues can arise. What can you expect if your dog has Cushing’s? Excessive hunger, extreme thirst, and lots of peeing. Treatment usually involves medication to regulate cortisol levels. [19] [20]
    
16. Canine Compulsive Disorder: Seen in breeds like Bull Terriers and Dobermans. A compulsive disorder is a problem because it leads to your dog having uncontrollable repetitive behaviour – things like excessive and uncontrollable tail-chasing. Treatment involves behavioural therapy and, sometimes, medication. [21]
    
17. Allergies: Many breeds can suffer from allergies. Allergies are horrible and uncomfortable for your dog, causing itchiness, skin problems, and difficulty settling down and relaxing. Treatment usually involves avoiding the things your dog is allergic to. Sometimes you can give meds to help, but diet is the most natural way to help your allergic dog to enjoy life fully. [22]
    
18. Retinal Dysplasia: We talked about dysplasia in 6 and 7 above. The retina is like the film in an analogue camera….so, retinal dysplasia means a disorganised, displaced, or dislocated retina. Common in breeds like the English Springer Spaniel. It causes problems with your dog’s sight.. No specific treatment is available but affected dogs usually adapt well to their vision loss. [23] [24]
    
19. Entropion: This exotic sounding disorder results in your dog’s eyelids folding inwards causing discomfort. Entropion is usually seen in breeds with very wrinkled faces like the Shar-Pei. Correcting the eyelids with surgery is a good option. [25]
    
20. Swollen Lymph Glands (Lymphedema): Found in breeds like the Old English Sheepdog. It leads to swelling in the body due to blocked lymph vessels. Management includes massage and compression wraps. [26]

Each disorder varies in terms of prognosis, and early detection can drastically improve a dog’s quality of life. Genetic testing plays a key role in this, which we’ll explore next.

Importance of Genetic Testing in Dogs

Benefits for Dog Owners

Genetic testing is a powerful tool in your toolbox. It uncovers the genetic blueprint of your dog, offering insights into their breed, traits, and potential health risks. This information helps you tailor care to your dog’s specific needs.

Prevention, Preparation, and Management

Genetic tests can let you know if your dog is vulnerable to certain conditions and problems. If you know this ahead of time you can plan appropriately. Then, you can make lifestyle adjustments, look for expert advice, and schedule regular checkups to help you make your dog’s life much better. If you are a breeder, then you can make better choices on mating pairs so that you can reduce the incidence of certain genetic disorders in future generations.

Here’s two Clear Examples of how Dog DNA testing can really make all the difference!

Example 1 – Hip Dysplasia

Consider a Labrador Retriever. This breed is prone to Hip Dysplasia, a condition genetic testing can detect. When you discover early on that your Lab has a vulnerability to hip dysplasia, then you can make sure your Lab has a healthy weight, provide joint-friendly exercise, and regularly monitor mobility. You can even watch out for your Lab puppy and closely watch its development to catch any issues early. A clear win for your labrador, and for you.

Example 2 – MDR1 Mutation

Imagine your Border Collie has the MDR1 gene mutation. You detect it early because you did an easy home DNA test with a kit. Now that you know, you and your vet can be very careful when you give your little dude medication. You will never accidentally overdose your friend when you treat him for some other condition – avoiding serious and devastating consequences. 

Genetic testing offers dog owners invaluable peace of mind. Testing genetics and knowing about your dog’s particular strengths and weaknesses helps in the lifelong journey of loving and caring for a canine companion. 

These days, simple home DNA test kits designed for dogs are relatively affordable and easy to use. They offer fantastic accuracy and the benefits of knowing early should not be underestimated – definitely do this if you know your breed is susceptible to one or another genetic condition.

In the next section, we’ll discuss some of the available dog DNA testing platforms and their features.

Four Canine Genetic Testing Options Reviewed

Remember, choosing the right DNA testing kit depends on your needs and budget. We recommend reading more about each product and considering what would suit you and your dog best.

How to Deal with a Genetic Disorder Diagnosis

Immediate Steps

Some dog owners feel afraid after hearing a diagnosis, understandably so.  It might be comforting to know that in the vast majority of cases, knowing about a genetic disorder is the first step in ensuring a very happy dog. 

When you do get a diagnosis, that is the time to gather your intel and plan for the best life your beloved companion can have. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources to help; so, your first steps should be to:

• Educate Yourself: Knowledge is power. Research and learn about the specific disorder to understand its implications, symptoms, and potential treatment options.
• Consult Your Vet: Arrange a comprehensive discussion with your veterinarian. They’ll guide you on the prognosis, potential treatments, lifestyle changes, and care strategies.
• Second Opinion: It may be helpful to seek a second opinion, particularly from a specialist in the diagnosed condition.

The Role of Veterinarians and Genetic Counselling

The peace of mind that comes from knowing the facts, having a clear plan, and working together with a knowledgeable expert is important to the process.

• Veterinarians: They play a critical role in management and treatment. They’ll provide medical care and guide you on lifestyle adaptations for your dog’s well-being.
• Genetic Counselling: A genetic counsellor can help interpret genetic test results, provide information about the diagnosed disorder, and discuss the risks for potential offspring if your dog is a breeding animal.

Ongoing Care

Successful management of genetic disorders often involves a blend of medical treatment, lifestyle changes, and regular veterinary check-ups. A balanced diet, appropriate exercise, and medications or therapies are often part of a good plan.

Support Groups and Resources 

Dealing with a pet’s genetic disorder diagnosis can be emotionally challenging. It can also be overwhelming too because, in the beginning, most people don’t know where to start, what to do, or what actually works. That is where support groups and communities can really help.

• Support Groups: Online communities and local support groups can offer comfort, advice, and shared experiences. Websites like Pet Genetic Disorders Support Group can be a start.
• Professional Help: Never hesitate to seek professional help if the emotional burden feels too heavy. Counsellors and therapists can provide strategies to cope.

A genetic disorder diagnosis isn’t the end of the world for your dog. With love, care, and appropriate treatment, many dogs with genetic disorders live full, happy lives. You and your furry friend can tackle this challenge together.

Remember…

Navigating the world of canine genetics is key to optimal pet care. We’ve journeyed through genetics basics, the role of genes in disorders, some breed-specific concerns, and prevalent canine genetic disorders.

By harnessing the power of genetic testing, you unlock critical insights about your furry friend—breed, traits, and health risks. It’s not just about identifying issues; it’s about equipping yourself with the knowledge to act. With this information, you’re better prepared to manage potential health concerns and proactively maintain your dog’s wellness.

Remember, informed decisions based on sound genetic understanding foster happy dogs with enriched lives. In turn, this enhances the quality of the bond between you and your dog. Embrace genetic testing; it’s an invaluable tool, a boon for your pet’s health, and a step towards greater peace of mind.

Dive in and take that step. For your dog. For you. Make the leap to enhanced canine care today.