Overview
A number of test are available for the Cavador. Two or more of these tests purchased as part of this bundle will be discounted.
- Curly Coat Dry Eye Syndrome associated with the FAM83H gene
- Degenerative Myelopathy associated with the SOD1 gene
- Episodic Falling associated with the BCAN gene
- Exercise Induced Collapse associated with the DNM1 gene
- Macular Corneal Dystrophy associated with the CHST6 gene
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRCD type) associated with the PRCD gene
- Stargardt Disease associated with the ABCA4 gene
Curly Coat Dry Eye Syndrome
Congenital keratoconjunctivitis sicca and ichthyosiform dermatosis (CKCSID) is more commonly referred to as ‘‘curly coat dry eye syndrome’’. The disease is congenital; puppies are born with an abnormally rough/curly coat and are usually smaller than littermates. Affected dogs have reduced production of aqueous tears (keratoconjuncitivits sicca commonly called “dry eye”), a tacky mucoid discharge around their eyes and ulceration of the cornea in severe cases. They also have persistent scaling of the skin (ichthyosiform dermatosis) causing them to scratch.
The disease is progressive and beings to affect footpads and teeth. It is difficult to manage, and many owners choose to euthanise affected dog’s due poor quality of life.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Important: Degenerative Myelopathy is a rare disease that presents most commonly in German Shepherd Dogs and Boxers, sporadically in Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Cardigan Welsh Corgis, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Borzoi and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. It is rarely diagnosed in other breeds or mixed-breed dogs. DM is considered genetically complex and will have more than one contributing genetic variant. The variant targeted by this test is widespread and found in more than 120 breeds. However, association of the variant with the disease has only been shown in very few breeds and should never be used to inform breeding decisions, except where close relatives have been clinically diagnosed.
Canine degenerative myelopathy (previously also known as chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy) is a progressive disease of the spinal cord in older dogs. Most dogs are at least 8 years old before clinical become apparent. DM usually starts with a muscle weakness, loss of muscle and loss of coordination (ataxia) in the hind limbs. Progression is generally quote slow, but dogs will eventually be crippled within approximately 3 years of the onset of disease.
Episodic Falling
Episodic Falling (EF) is a paroxysmal exertion-induced dyskinesia. It is usually exercise, excitement or stress-induced and episodes begin between three to seven months of age. EF is a disorder of the muscles that causes increased muscle tone and muscle spasticity (especially those of the limbs) resulting in limbs that appear “locked” in an extended position and dogs are unable to relax their muscles. This muscle spasticity results in a characteristic “praying” position and/or collapse. Episodes can last from a few seconds to a few minutes, and dogs appear fully conscious throughout.
Exercise Induced Collapse
Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC) is an inherited condition that primarily affects Labrador Retrievers and their related breeds – mainly Labrador crosses. The variant responsible has also been found in other breeds, including Curly-coated Retrievers, Boykin spaniels and Pembroke Welsh Corgis. The signs of EIC typically become noticeable when dogs undergo rigorous training. The initial symptoms usually manifest between the ages of 5 months and 3 years, although there have been cases where affected dogs didn’t experience collapse episodes until as late as age 10. Dogs with this condition can tolerate mild to moderate exercise, but after engaging in heavy exercise for a duration of 5 to 20 minutes, they experience weakness and collapse. While some dogs may only exhibit collapse episodes sporadically, severely affected dogs can collapse whenever they are exercised to this extent. The condition can be exacerbated by excitement and high temperatures.
Macular Corneal Dystrophy
Macular Corneal Dystrophy is an inherited and progressive eye disease. Initial clinical signs are cloudy corneas and/or visual impairment, first observed between four and six years of age. In addition, white/grey opacities are also observed. The cloudiness and opacities are caused by an abnormal accumulation of glycosaminoglycans in the cornea.
MCD is progressive; as the density of the corneal haze increases, increased vascularization is observed and vision is increasingly impaired.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRCD type)
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Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is the most common form of inherited disease affecting the retina in dogs. Genetically different forms of PRA, caused by mutations in different genes, affect many breeds of dog with each form usually affecting one or a small number of breeds. PRA is characterised by progressive degeneration of the retina at the back of the eye and leads to vision loss and blindness.
Progressive Rod Cone Degeneration (PRCD) is a form of PRA and was one of the first PRAs for which a genetic variant was identified. PRCD is different than most forms of PRA in that the variant has been found in a large number and diverse range of breeds.
Stargardt Disease
Stargardt disease is an inherited eye disease that affects dogs, primarily Labrador Retrievers. Onset of significant clinical signs is late in life, with affected dogs presenting with observable visual problems around 10 years of age. As with other retinal degenerations, such as progressive retinal atrophy, Stargardt disease is characterised by the degeneration of the rod and cone photoreceptor cells of the retina. Dog therefore experience visual deficits in bright and low light conditions. It is a progressive disease and symptoms will get worse as the dog ages.
