Dog

Neuro-axonal dystrophy (NAD) in Papillon dogs is a rare inherited neurological disorder that causes progressive degeneration of the central nervous system.
Signs appear very early, usually between 2 and 4 months of age, and include gait abnormalities, head and limb tremors, weakness of the hind limbs, and in some cases, involvement of the forelimbs or visual deficits.
The progression is rapid and severe: affected dogs may have difficulty eating and are often euthanized shortly after the onset of symptoms due to a reserved vital prognosis.

Multiple system degeneration usually begins between 9 weeks and 6 months of age. The first signs include mild tremors and stiffness of the forelimbs.
Within 3 to 4 months, symptoms worsen, with severe ataxia, spasticity, an unsteady gait, and delayed postural reactions. The disease progresses to immobility and inability to stand, often leading to euthanasia between 1 and 2 years of age.

In the Giant Schnauzer, a specific form of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is associated with a mutation in the NECAP1 gene. The first symptoms typically appear around the age of 4. This disease is characterized by progressive retinal degeneration leading to blindness.

This test is also mandatory for Dachshunds and Pomeranians as part of the Flemish government's breeding program (see the official program).

Congenital myasthenic syndrome is an inherited neuromuscular disease observed in the Jack Russell Terrier. Affected puppies appear normal until 6 weeks of age, then gradually develop generalized muscle weakness, walking briefly for 10 to 15 steps before stopping or lying down. Treatment with anticholinesterase drugs leads to temporary improvement, but resistance to the treatment often requires euthanasia.

In the Jack Russell Terrier, congenital myasthenia is most commonly caused by the 729dup mutation. However, under the breeding regulation of the Flemish government, it is the 1508dup mutation that must be tested for in both the Jack Russell Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier. This test specifically detects the 1508dup mutation.

This test is also recommended for Jack Russell Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier as part of the breeding program established by the Flemish government (see official program).

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a genetic disease observed in dogs, particularly in the Swedish Vallhund breed. This disease is characterized by the multifocal appearance of red and brown discoloration in the ocular fundus, followed over time by thinning of the retina. It progresses in three stages: in Stage 2, there is a gradual loss of function of both rod and cone photoreceptors, measured by electroretinography. Night blindness occurs first at the end of Stage 2, followed by decreased daytime vision in Stage 3. Histological examinations confirm the loss of photoreceptor cells at Stage 3.

This test is also recommended for the Chinese Crested Dog as part of the breeding program established by the Flemish government (see official program).

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis is a hereditary neurodegenerative disease, with the first symptoms typically appearing around the age of 6. It manifests as cognitive disorders, anxiety, seizures, loss of coordination, sensory impairments, and behavioral changes. Dogs affected by this condition are generally euthanized.

This test is also recommended for the Jack Russell Terrier as part of the breeding program established by the Flemish government (see official program).

Amelogenesis imperfecta is a genetic disease affecting the tooth enamel in Parson Russell Terriers. It results in enamel that is dull, soft, and rough, leading to plaque buildup, gingivitis, and early tooth loss. The responsible mutation is found in approximately 9% of dogs.

This test is also recommended for Jack Russell Terrier and Italian Greyhound as part of the breeding program established by the Flemish government (see official program).

The microphthalmia in Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers is a congenital ocular malformation associated with a mutation (K12del) in the RBP4 gene, which disrupts the transport of vitamin A essential for eye development. The disease follows a particular inheritance pattern dependent on a maternal effect, where the genotype of the mother directly influences embryonic development. It results in an abnormally reduced development of one or both eyes in the puppy.

This test is also mandatory for the Jack Russell Terrier as part of the Flemish government's official breeding program (see official program).

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a group of lysosomal storage diseases that affect the central nervous system, leading to early neuronal death and progressive neurodegeneration. NCL2 specifically affects dachshunds, with symptoms including vision loss, tremors, and coordination problems starting at a young age. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for NCL2, and affected dogs typically do not survive past 12 months of age.