Bald Thigh Syndrome

General Information: Bald Thigh Syndrome (BTS) is a condition observed in sighthound breeds, characterized by hair loss on the thighs. This condition is not fully understood but is believed to be influenced by genetic factors such as IGFBP5, environmental conditions, and hormonal imbalances. BTS typically manifests as symmetrical hair loss on the outer thighs without any signs of inflammation or discomfort. While the condition is primarily cosmetic and does not affect the overall health of the dog, it can be a concern for breeders and owners who show their dogs. In some cases, hair may regrow spontaneously, but in others, the hair loss may be permanent. There is no known cure for BTS, and treatment options are limited, focusing mainly on improving the dog's overall health and coat condition through diet and supplements.

How to Read Your Dog's Test Results for this Genetic Variant:

Two Variants Detected: Dog Likely Affected

One Variant Detected: Dog Unlikely Affected

No Variants Detected: No Effect

Gene / Testing Information: Genetic testing for Bald Thigh syndrome involves screening for mutations in the gene IGFBP5 associated with this condition. Bald Thigh syndrome is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that a dog must inherit two copies of the mutated gene, one from each parent, to exhibit symptoms of the disease. Dogs with only one copy of the mutation are carriers and typically do not show any symptoms but can pass the mutation to their offspring. When two carriers are bred, each puppy has a 25% chance of being affected by ARSCID, a 50% chance of being a carrier, and a 25% chance of being completely unaffected. Genetic testing is crucial for identifying carriers and preventing the breeding of two carriers together, thereby reducing the risk of producing affected puppies. Ensuring informed breeding practices can help eliminate this mutation from breeding lines and improve the overall health of the breed.