CDDY
CDDY, or chondrodystrophy, is a mutation of the FGF4 retrogene on chromosome 12, commonly referred to as a genetic defect. In February 2023, a published study revealed that this gene is also present in Stabijhouns. The gene can be present in one or two copies, or the dog may be completely free of the gene, referred to as "clear."
The gene has been shown to predispose intervertebral discs to premature degeneration, increasing the risk of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The gene is dominant, meaning that even a single copy increases the risk of IVDD. Research indicates that dogs with a CDDY copy also tend to have shorter limbs, with one copy causing a slight reduction and two copies resulting in a more noticeable difference compared to healthy dogs.
How do I know if my dog has the CDDY gene?
The CDDY gene can be easily tested with a DNA test, such as the Wisdom Panel test, which involves collecting a sample from the dog's oral mucosa and sending it to a laboratory for analysis. The results are sent to the tester's email within a few weeks. Breeders and the Finnish Stabyhoun Club's breeding committee are happy to assist with DNA testing.
As of 2024, approximately 125 Stabijhouns have been tested. Of these, 24% are clear, 58% have one copy, and 18% have two copies of the gene. Due to its dominant inheritance, even one copy of the gene can lead to 50% of puppies inheriting it, even if the other parent is completely clear.
What should I do if my dog has the CDDY gene?
A dog with a CDDY copy should ideally undergo imaging for IDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease). The IDD evaluation provides information on whether the dog has calcified intervertebral discs. Especially dogs with two copies of the gene should be evaluated. The IDD report indicates the IDD grade, showing how many discs are calcified. A calcified disc does not necessarily reflect the dog's physical health but helps understand the potential risk if spinal issues arise. Of course, the imaging is a snapshot of the current situation, which may change over time. The dog must be at least 24 months old at the time of imaging to ensure reliable results.
While the development of calcified discs cannot be prevented, knowing your dog's IDD grade allows for lifestyle adjustments to help avoid related problems. The most important preventive measures include maintaining the dog's ideal weight, supporting musculoskeletal health, and focusing on proper movement patterns and muscle strength to reduce the risk of IVDD. If a dog has multiple calcified discs, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian about suitable activities. Rapid, twisting, or abrupt movements should be avoided or at least minimized.
How do I get an IDD evaluation?
The Finnish Kennel Club does not yet offer IDD evaluations for Stabijhouns from spinal x-rays. However, the imaging can still be performed alongside other health checks, and the images can be sent to a private evaluation service called INCOC. INCOC is a Finnish service that provides x-ray evaluations for conditions and diseases that cannot receive an official statement from the Finnish Kennel Club.
Step-by-step guide to obtaining an IDD evaluation:
1. Go to www.incoc.fi.
2. Click on "Order Evaluation."
3. Choose the service: IDD (calcified intervertebral discs) €37.65 (evaluation price as of November 2024).
4. Fill in the required information and submit your order (note: the order requires both the registration and identification numbers).
5. You will receive a confirmation email with a payment link and a link for submitting the images. Keep this email safe.
6. Pay for the evaluation through the link in the email. The evaluation must be paid before sending the images.
7. When you take your dog for imaging, inform the clinic that you have purchased an IDD evaluation through INCOC. Most veterinarians know how to take the correct images, and guidelines for imaging are also available on the INCOC website. The IDD evaluation requires more extensive spinal imaging, which may incur additional costs.
8. Arrange with the clinic or veterinarian to forward the confirmation email with the submission link. It is best to send the entire email to ensure the link works.
After imaging, the veterinarian/clinic will send the images to the evaluation service. Once the images have been reviewed (within 2-3 weeks), you will receive the results by email. The results are also published publicly in INCOC's results service on their website.