Dandy-Walker-Like Malformation

General Information: Dandy-Walker-Like Malformation is an inherited disorder in dogs characterized by developmental abnormalities in the brain, particularly affecting the cerebellum and the fluid-filled spaces around it. Dogs with two copies of the associated gene mutation are predisposed to this condition, which can manifest at any age. Symptoms include poor coordination, difficulty walking, head tremors, and other neurological signs. The severity of symptoms can vary widely among affected dogs. While there is no cure for Dandy-Walker-Like Malformation, management focuses on supportive care to improve the dog's 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 Likely Affected

No Variants Detected: No Effect

Gene / Testing Information: Genetic testing of the gene associated with Dandy-Walker-Like Malformation can determine if a dog is a carrier of this condition. This disorder is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that dogs must inherit two copies of the mutated gene, one from each parent, to develop the disease. Carrier dogs, possessing only one copy of the mutation, typically do not show symptoms but can pass the gene to their offspring. When two carriers are bred, each pup has a 25% chance of developing the disease and a 50% chance of being a carrier. Reliable genetic testing is crucial for informed breeding practices to eliminate this mutation from breeding lines, and breeding two carriers together is not recommended to avoid producing affected pups. Dogs that are not carriers have no increased risk of having affected offspring.