Dog

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) causes visual impairment due to the degeneration of the photoreceptors in the retina. Symptoms usually appear from the age of 5 years.

Hyperuricemia, also known as hyperuricosuria, is a genetic defect causing high levels of uric acid in the urine. The clinical signs of the disease are stones in the bladder or kidneys. HUU can be tested for in any breed, but is most commonly found in the breeds listed below.

Malignant hyperthermia, also known as canine stress syndrome, is a potentially fatal genetic disorder. The clinical signs of malignant hyperthermia are extreme muscle contractions, increased heart rate and fever. These symptoms are triggered by certain anaesthetics such as halothane, but also by intense exercise and certain foods. Malignant hyperthermia can be tested for in any breed, but is most commonly found in the breeds listed below.

Intervertebral disc disease is a premature abnormal degeneration of the intervertebral discs. In chondrodystrophic breeds, premature calcification of the nucleus pulposus causes disc degeneration in young dogs. These abnormal discs are prone to herniation into the spinal canal where inflammation and bleeding can cause severe pain and neurological dysfunction called intervertebral disc disease. This condition can lead to the death of the animal. IVDD can be tested for in any breed, but is most commonly found in the breeds listed below.

Multifocal CMR3 retinopathy is a genetic disease that causes multiple tears and detachments of the retina. In mild cases, the dog often shows no vision problems despite the abnormal appearance of the retina.

Progressive retinal atrophy (IFT122) is a genetic disease of the Finnish Lapphund that causes gradual degeneration of the retina, primarily affecting night vision. Early signs include night blindness and diffuse tapetal hyperreflectivity, detectable through an ophthalmologic examination. The disease generally progresses slowly, and some dogs may retain partial vision at an advanced age.

This test is also recommended for the Finnish Lapphund as part of the breeding program implemented by the Flemish government (see official program).

Pompe disease (glycogen storage disease type II) is a genetic disorder that disrupts glucose metabolism, leading to excessive glycogen accumulation in the body. Affected dogs develop progressive muscle weakness, cardiac hypertrophy, and may present with megaesophagus accompanied by regurgitation and vomiting. This disease often causes severe cardio-respiratory complications and typically leads to premature death around 18 months of age.

Hereditary nasal parakeratosis is a genetic disease in Greyhounds that affects corneogenesis, causing abnormal thickening of the stratum corneum of the nose’s epidermis. The main symptoms include a thickened, dry, and rough nose, often covered with crusts and showing cracks. The condition can cause local discomfort and, in some cases, pain if the cracks are deep.

This test is also recommended for Salukis as part of the breeding program implemented by the Flemish government (see official program).