Dog

Cleft lip with or without cleft palate is a genetic defect in craniofacial development causing communication between the mouth and nose. The most common symptoms are choking, coughing and difficulty swallowing. Syndactyly (fusion of fingers) may also be observed.

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis is a genetic disease with symptoms including behavioural changes, cognitive decline, cerebellar ataxia, dementia, seizures, nervousness, aggression, hypersensitivity to stimuli, loss of coordination, tremors, retinal degeneration, moderate visual impairment in low light, but good visual acuity in bright light. The first behavioural signs usually appear around the age of 4 to 6 years.

Spinal dysraphism is a genetic disease with symptoms present from birth. Affected puppies show neurological abnormalities including motor disorders in the hind legs. Adults show a typical abnormal gait with simultaneous movement of the hind legs or "bunny hop".

Thrombopathia is a genetic disease that affects platelet function. In thrombopathia, platelets are unable to stick together properly and therefore cannot clot normally. The most common symptoms of this condition are recurrent nosebleeds and excessive bleeding from the gums and bruising. Internal bleeding and black or red stools may also be observed. Although dogs with this condition are at risk for spontaneous bleeding and internal bleeding, affected dogs may not be identified until surgery is performed or trauma occurs.

 

Miniature schnauzer polyneuropathy is a genetic neuromuscular disorder. Symptoms may include exercise intolerance, muscle atrophy mainly in the hind legs, laryngeal paralysis resulting in a change in barking and noisy breathing. The first signs of the disease usually appear around 3 months of age.

Cerebellar degeneration—myositis complex is a degenerative encephalopathy. Clinical signs in affected dogs are highly variable and may include muscle weakness, generalized ataxia and hypermetria. The age of onset of neurological signs is between 10 weeks and 6 months.

Neurons are covered by a myelin sheath, in dogs with hypomyelination, the thickness of this sheath is reduced. The first symptoms are observed from the age of 1 to 2 weeks and include tremors and balance disorders. In most cases, the symptoms resolve after 3-4 months of age.

Primary hyperoxaluria is characterized by the formation of oxalate crystals mainly in the kidneys causing kidney stones, severe renal failure and abdominal pain. The first symptoms appear around 3 to 4 weeks of age. Affected puppies are usually euthanized.

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.