Chondrodysplasia (Karelian Bear Dog and Norwegian Elkhound Type)

General Information: Chondrodysplasia, commonly referred to as dwarfism, affects specific breeds such as the Karelian Bear Dog and Norwegian Elkhound, leading to significant alterations in bone and cartilage development. Dogs with this condition exhibit notably shorter limbs, approximately 10 cm shorter on average than unaffected dogs, along with bowed legs, shortened digits, and a "knock-knee" stance. These physical changes can contribute to joint misalignment and subsequently predispose the animals to early onset of arthritis. Other associated conditions may include hip dysplasia and muscle atrophy, particularly in the hind limbs, which can affect the dog's mobility and overall quality of life.

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 Chondrodysplasia (dwarfism) in breeds like Karelian Bear Dogs and Norwegian Elkhounds targets the ITGA10 gene to identify carriers or dogs affected by this autosomal recessive trait. A dog needs to inherit two copies of the mutated gene, one from each parent, to exhibit symptoms of the disorder. Carrier dogs, possessing one copy of the mutated gene, generally do not show any symptoms but can pass the gene to their offspring. Breeding two carrier dogs results in a 25% chance of producing affected offspring and a 50% chance of producing carriers. Therefore, genetic testing is critical for breeders to responsibly manage breeding practices, aiming to prevent the birth of affected puppies and gradually reduce the prevalence of this mutation in the gene pool. Breeding strategies should avoid mating carrier dogs to prevent the disease's propagation, ensuring that future generations are free from the disorder.