CANINE HYPERURICOSURIA

Hyperuricosuria means elevated levels of uric acid in the urine. This trait predisposes dogs to form stones in their bladders or sometimes kidneys. These stones often must be removed surgically and can be difficult to treat. Hyperuricosuria is inherited as a simple autosomal recessive trait. Dogs that carry two copies of the mutation will be affected and susceptible to develop bladder/kidney stones.

 

CENTRONUCLEAR MYOPATHY

Centronuclear myopathy (CNM) in Labrador Retrievers is an hereditary myopathyand the signs associated with CNM vary in severity, but include generalized muscle weakness, difficulty eating, abnormal gait, exercise intolerance, increased collapse when exposed to cold, and decreased reflexes.  As the condition progresses, generalized muscle atrophy is seen and is attributable to the microscopic changes present in the muscles as described below.  Affected dogs will normally begin showing signs of the disease in the first 6 months of life.  The disease tends to progress in severity until about one year of age when the progression will typically stabilize.  However, affected dogs will continue to have issues related to the disease throughout their life. 

 

CYSTINURIA

Canine Cystinuria is an autosomal recessive disorder that affects a dog's ability to filter cystine out of urine. Normally, tubules in the kidney are responsible for re-absorption of cystine, filtering it out of the urine. In dogs with Canine Cystinuria, the tubules are unable to transport the cystine, allowing it to accumulate in the urine. Cystine is generally insoluble in the acidic conditions of canine urine, allowing it to crystallize and form caliculi, also known as stones. 

Not every dog that has the mutation responsible for Cystinuria will exhibit symptoms. Stones causing inflammation and blockage are often more common in males, due to their long, narrow urethra. Females exhibit symptoms much less frequently and may be completely asymptomatic.

 

MYOTUBULAR MYOPATHY X LINKED

Myotubular Myopathy is an inherited muscle disease known to affect Labrador Retrievers. Affected puppies are typically normal at birth, but between 7 and 19 weeks of age they present with muscle weakness especially in the hind limbs, decreased muscle mass, a hoarse bark and difficulty eating. Puppies are smaller than littermates, walk with a short, choppy gait and often fall over. The disease rapidly progresses from generalized muscle weakness and frequent episodes of collapse to a complete inability to stand or even raise their heads within 4 weeks of initial presentation. 

 

NARCOLEPSY

Dogs are infamous for their frequent napping habits. While naps are quite normal for domestic dogs, sometimes excessive daytime sleepiness is caused by a medical condition called narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is a syndrome in which the sleep-wake cycle is disrupted, causing tiredness, lethargy and brief periods of muscle paralysis or unconsciousness.

Dogs suffering from narcolepsy periodically (and abruptly) fall into a state of deep sleep during normal waking hours. They often become partially or completely immobilized, and then spontaneously recover. 

 

PYRUVATE KINASE (PK) DEFICIENCY

Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency is a disorder that affects red blood cells. Dogs suffering from pyruvate kinase deficiency have a mutated form of pyruvate kinase, an important enzyme in cellular metabolism. This defect causes the red blood cells to die, leading to severe hemolytic anemia. Because red blood cells deliver oxygen to tissues around the body, it is important that dogs are able to maintain an adequate supply of red blood cells, and dogs suffering from PK deficiency typically are chronically anemic.

 

RETINAL DYSPLASIA/OSD

Retinal folds are common in many breeds.  Generally, this finding not clinically significant and the condition may not be inherited.  In Labrador Retrievers and Samoyeds, retinal folds may indicate that the dog carriers the gene that is associated with Oculoskeltal Dysplasia (OSD).  This serious inherited disorder results in skeletal malformations, including dwarfism, and retinal detachment that results in blindness at an early age.

HEREDITARY NASAL PARAKERATOSIS (HNKP) DRY NOSE

HNKP is an inherited skin disorder in Labradors.  Affected dogs develop scales and crusts on the nose. Painful cracks on the nose may also develop.  This disorder can be managed with moisturisers and antibiotics if necessary.  The abnormal gene is recessive, therefore, an affected dog must inherit the defective gene from both parents. Dogs carrying one abnormal gene will not develop the disorder.

 

SKELETAL DYSPLASIA 2

 

ELLIPTOCYTOSIS