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Genetic Information 

This page is meant only as a learning tool. Always go off information from a licensed veterinarian and further research. If you think your dog has any signs/symptoms always contact your vet. Information is subject to change as we learn, change and adapt to new information. 

The genetic panel includes over 250 diseases. We test all breeding stock and make the best decisions possible when breeding. Being aware of what a dog can pass along to its offspring/ how it is affected by certain genetic disorders and prevention by selective breeding is one of the main characteristics of a responsible breeder. It is just as important as a potential owner to be aware of any conditions your dog may have and how to prepare them for the best possible life. 


This is a short list of some of the most common genetic diseases for Aussies/Newfies and what they are.

 


This does NOT mean that our stock carries any of these,
this is just a learning tool to make us better owners and breeders. 

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Our females are 100% genetically clear for all current panel tests. 

  • Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) 

    • Can cause no visual impairment to complete blindness depending on the severity. ​

  • Cone Degeneration (CD)

    • Affects the retinas and can cause complete blindness. ​

  • Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CO)

    • A developmental disease in dogs causing extensive bony changes in the mandible and skull. A cyclical resorption of normal bone and replacement by immature bone occurs along the inner and outer surfaces of the affected bones.​

  • Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

    • A genetic disease that affects dogs' nerves and causes gradual paralysis.

  • Exercise-Induced Collapse 

    •  A condition which causes weakness following hard work or play. ​

  • Hereditary Cataracts (Australian Shepherd Type) (HC)

    • Causes vison impairment or blindness. ​

  • Hyperuricosuria 

    • The presence of excessive amounts of uric acid in the urine​

  • Intervertebral Disc Disease Risk Factor and Chondrodystrophy (CDDY with IVDD)

    • One form of shortened legs (disproportionate dwarfism)​

  • Intestinal Cobalamin Malabsorption (Border Collie Type) (ICM)

    • Affected dogs are unable to make adequate amounts of a protein that plays a role in absorption of certain nutrients from the intestinal tract and kidneys, including the B vitamin, cobalamin.​

  • Multidrug Resistance 1 (MDR1)  SEE BELOW For More Information

    • Causes fatal drug reactions in dogs. ​

  • Multifocal Retinopathy 1 

    • Disorder of the retina that causes retinal detachment and vision problems. ​

  • Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 6

    •  A group of progressive degenerative diseases of the central nervous system.​

  • Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 8 (Australian Shepherd Type)

    • A lysosomal storage disease affecting dogs. Affected dogs lack a specific Enzyme necessary for normal metabolism.​

  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA/PRCD)

    • A result of degeneration of both rod and cone type Photoreceptor Cells of the Retina, which are important for vision in dim and bright light.​

  • Von Willebrand Disease I

    • An inherited bleeding disorder that increases the time for blood to clot. "Thin Blood Disease" ​Dogs are more likely to have excessive bleeding. 

  • Cystinuria Type 1-A

    • A kidney disorder in which the kidneys are unable to reabsorb cystine, leading to the formation of crystals in the urinary tract, which can cause urinary obstruction, difficulty in passing urine, and presence of blood in the urine.​

  • Degenerative Myelopathy, DM

    • A slowly progressive spinal cord disorder that resembles ALS in humans. ​

  • Thrombopathia

    • A bleeding disorder​

  • Ullrich-like Congenital Muscular Dystrophy 

    • A slowly progressive muscle disease characterized by non-painful muscle weakness and wasting, especially over their back and legs.​

  • Areas of X-Rays look for: 

    • Elbow/Patellas- looking for Dysplasia​.

    • Hips- looking for Dysplasia.

  • Preliminary X-Rays can be done around 12-18 months old.

  • Follow-up/Conclusive X-Rays can be done at 2 years of age. 

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Newfie Specific Panel

MDR1

MDR1 is one of the most common Genetic Disorders in Aussie's. Some breeders still knowingly breed MDR1 stock because the dog will not be affected UNLESS given certain medications, so any reactions are completely controlled. This is caused by a mutation at the MDR1 gene that makes them more sensitive to the negative effects of certain medications.

Knowing the MDR1 status of your dog, passing that information on to your vet and deciding what medications to give are crucial.

It is good practice to avoid the following medications even on a clear MDR1 dog because multiple breeds can be affected. 
Below is a list of SOME of the medications to avoid with an MDR1 positive dog. 

  • Ivermectin

  • Selamectin

  • Milbemycin

  • Moxidectin

  • Loperamide

  • Acepromazine

  • Butorphanol

  • Vincristine

  • Vinblastine

  • Doxorubicin

  • Paclitaxel

  • Apomorphine

Known Genetic Diseases  

Aussie Specific Panel

X-Ray Panel

ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR VET WITH ANY QUESTIONS 

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