Juvenile Addison’s Disease (JADD)
- Addison’s disease affects the adrenal glands, where the glands stop producing hormones used to control sodium and potassium levels in the blood. Signs usually start at 5 months old, and the dog will be tired, weak, and off their food with vomiting and diarrhoea. For a dog to be at risk, they requires two copies of the mutated condition. As the disease is thought to have environmental and genetic influences, it means having the affected genes doesn’t guarantee the risk of having the disease the same as not having the affected genes doesn’t mean the dog won’t become affected. Current research shows 75% of dogs with two copies of the gene develop the condition.
- Affected Breeds: Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Dermatomysitis (DMS)
- DMS is an autoimmune disease with a genetic background, but it also has environmental triggers. Its symptoms are lesions on the skin of the dog. The symptoms can present from 12 weeks of age, but this is largely variable. Other symptoms can include hair loss and crusty areas on legs, feet, face, ears and tail. For some dogs, the symptoms will disappear and reappear throughout their life. Some breeds will suffer from muscular dysfunctions like a high-stepping gait, difficulties swallowing to eat and drink.
- Affected Breeds: Bearded Collie, Border Collie, Rough Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, Smooth Collie
Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE)
- This is an inflammatory brain disease that is progressive and fatal. Signs include seizures, incorrect walking, and blindness. To be at risk, a dog requires two copies of the DE gene mutation. The disease is thought to have both environmental and genetic factors. With the external factors, the genetic test evaluates the dog’s risk of getting the disease. Current research shows 12.5% of dogs with two copies of the PDE gene develop the disorder.
- Affected Breeds: Pug
