Genetic Health Testing – Hilltop Acres, Home of the Hilltop Harlequin Pinschers

Genetic Health Testing

“Should Be The Responsible Part Of Every Breeding Program”

Here at Hilltop Acres it is TOP PRIORITY!!

We proudly use the Orivet Genetic lab for the testing and DNA parental verifications of all of our dogs. We also use the Embark lab for breed percentages an coefficient of inbreeding (COI) to keep our program going in the right direction. “TO BETTER THE BREED”.

All of our adult Harlequin Pinschers and Miniature Pinschers are DNA profiled and tested for all known TESTABLE genetic issues of the breeds through Orivet. We have taken the stand to produce the most genetically healthy puppies possible. Our pups are clear by parentage of MPS VI, PLL, Hyperuricosuria, Cystinuria and Double Coat.

That means the puppies that are bought from Hilltop Acres will NEVER have these issues.

We are working diligently to clear our lineages of other genetic issues such as DM, IVDD, CDA and BHFD as well.

Listed below are the genetic disorders known to the Miniature Pinscher and Harlequin Pinscher breeds with a brief description of each:

Mucopolysaccharidosis VI (MPS-VI)

Also known as Maroteaux-Lamy disease, and is a type of lysosomal storage disease where large sugar molecules are unable to be broken down by the body as they normally would. In the MPS-VI variant of mucopolysaccharidosis the critical enzyme arylsulphatase B is lacking from the body. This results in the substance dermatan sulphate building up within cells, as it cannot be broken down and excreted. This build up of material within cells interferes with normal cell function as more and more room is taken up by the storage of waste materials. There are a large number of adverse affects throughout the body, with some of the most striking being on development of the skeleton. This is an autosomal recessive disorder and a DNA test is available for several breeds. MPS-VI results in stunted growth, abnormal bone development resulting in skeletal deformities, especially to the hips and also the spine, forelimbs and sternum. There may also be quite marked facial deformity, which may affect the breathing, and clouding of the corneas. Signs are usually apparent by 3 – 4 months of age. In addition to outward signs there is thickening of the heart valves and the muscle of the body is affected, including heart muscle and the muscle of blood vessels. It is common for the ends of bones (called the epiphyses) to “slip” due to improper formation initially, resulting in joint pain and lameness as dogs get older. However it is uncommon for a dog to survive beyond 3 years of age due to continued accumulation of waste product in cells and continued cell dysfunction and eventual death throughout the body. Some mucopolysaccharides do leak from cells, and initial diagnostic screening is often carried out by testing urine for the presence of glycosaminoglycans. There are more obvious deformities associated with MPS-VI compared to some of the other types of mucopolysaccharidoses, which should arouse suspicion in breeds that are known to be affected. Genetic testing is also available, and breeding animals should be screened to prevent the breeding of two carrier animals, which risks producing affected offspring. There is a new treatment which is on the horizon for this particular storage disease, although it remains expensive and somewhat experimental presently. A bone marrow transplant is an option for this disease, as the white blood cells provide a source of the missing arylsulphatase B enzyme that is needed. Generally a normal littermate is used as a donor, and the procedure needs to be carried out in a young pup so that the bones and organs have a chance to develop normally. This is one of the few lysosomal storage diseases where there is a possible treatment option. The alternative is euthanasia when quality of life is no longer acceptable.

Primary Lens Luxation (PLL)

PLL is thought to be heritable in most breeds in which it is seen, although clinical signs are generally not seen until the dog is an adult. Secondary lens luxation is not heritable, and occurs secondary to another disease process within the eye. In the terrier breeds (such as the Jack Russell terrier) PLL is associated with an inherited degeneration of the zonules, or the thin ligaments that suspend the lens in place behind the iris (the coloured part of the eye) and in front of the vitreous (a clear, gel-like substance). The genetic mutation has been characterised in a number of breeds, and a genetic test is available. Lens luxation refers to the lens being in an abnormal position inside the eye. Clinical signs in the fox terrier are usually not seen until the dog is in middle age, and include a sudden onset of pain (squinting, tearing etc), redness, and cloudiness of the cornea. The lens may partially or fully luxate into the front chamber of the eye, causing acute glaucoma (increased pressure within the eye). Sometimes the lens may fall backwards into the posterior (back) chamber of the eye, which may displace the vitreous forwards. This may then also lead to a blockage of drainage of fluid from the eye and a secondary glaucoma. Glaucoma (increased fluid pressure within the eye) is a common consequence of lens luxation, and can rapidly lead to blindness. Lens luxation is a veterinary emergency, and if you notice the signs of PLL in your dog’s eye you should see your vet immediately. Diagnosis is by examination of the inside of the eye by a veterinarian, and possibly an ultrasound of the eye. Treatment of PLL is aimed at reducing the fluid pressure within the eye and preserving vision in acute cases, then removing the lens surgically. Blind eyes may be removed to treat pain. Genetic testing is available for the screening of breeding animals, so that two carriers (or any affected animals) are not bred. Although the disease is treated as a recessive one, carrier animals will also occasionally develop lens luxation.

Cystinuria

This is an inherited disease affecting kidney function in dogs. The SLC7A9 gene codes for a protein that allows the kidneys to transport cysteine and other amino acids from the urine. Normal kidneys reabsorb cystine so that only small amounts pass into the urine, while dogs with mutations of both copies of the SLC7A9 gene fail to reabsorb cystine allowing high amounts to pass into the urine, hence the name cystinuria. Cystine can form crystals and/or stones in the urinary tract which can block the ureters or uretha and stop the normal flow of urine. Affected male dogs present with symptoms related to cysteine bladder stones around one year of age, however female dogs tend to develop symptoms later than males. Symptoms of disease include straining to urinate, frequent urination of small volumes or inability to urinate. In miniature pinschers, males and females are equally affected with excess cysteine in the urine, but obstruction of urine flow is more common in males due to differences in anatomy. Dogs with cystinuria often have recurrent inflammation of the urinary tract and if not treated, urinary stones can cause urinary tract infections, kidney failure and even death.

Hyperuricosuria

Dogs with variations in both copies of the SLC2A9 gene(variant) are predisposed to have elevated levels of uric acid in the urine, hence the name hyperuricosuria. Uric acid can form crystals and/or stones (uroliths) in the urinary tract. Dogs with hyperuricosuria most commonly present with symptoms of recurrent urinary tract inflammation, which include frequent urination, blood in the urine, and straining to urinate. They may also have loss of appetite, lethargy, weakness, vomiting and pain. Urinary stones in the bladder can cause urinary tract infections or more seriously, blockage of the Urethra. Both male and female dogs can be affected, but obstruction of urine flow is more common in males due to differences in anatomy.

Degenerative myelopathy (DM)

DM is known well in the German Shepherd Dog, although other breeds are also predisposed. This disease is normally seen around middle age, and in general diagnosis can only be confirmed at post mortem examination. Breed surveys of some predisposed breeds indicate a fairly low occurrence rate, but most experts think this rate is actually much higher, due to the lack of post mortem follow up of the majority of suspected cases. Signs are due to the immune-mediated destruction of a part of the nerves in the spinal cord, leading to loss of these nerve fibres. The first sign is knuckling of the hind feet, and hind limb ataxia. Once the spinal cord damage progresses past this initial stage (termed proprioceptive deficits), the effectiveness (if any) of treatment is much diminished. Hence early diagnosis is vital. Following this initial stage, hind limb reflexes are affected, then weakness in the hind limbs develops, progressing to total paralysis. Once a dog shows these signs it will almost always respond poorly to therapy. Eventually destruction progresses from the middle of the spinal cord to the upper cord and brain stem, leading to forelimb weakness and eventually interference with the muscles of breathing, causing death. Most dogs are euthanased for humane reasons before this happens. Treatment is with specific supplements and drugs aimed at interfering with the immune destruction in the spinal cord, to slow further nerve damage. The effectiveness of this treatment is variable, but is only of benefit if started as early as possible. Once nerves are lost, they will not be replaced. Degenerative myelopathy cannot be cured. A DNA test is available for predisposed pure breeds to carry out screening of breeding animals.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

IVDD in dogs is defined by dysplastic, shortened long bones and premature degeneration and calcification of intervertebral discs. This disease is therefore much more common in the chondrodystrophic breeds (that is short-legged breeds such as the dachshund, basset hound and corgi) and the dachshund accounts for 45 – 70% of all intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in dogs. Chondrodystrophic breeds are prone to a type of disc degeneration called chondroid metaplasia, where the intervertebral discs in the spinal column become dried out, hardened and calcified at an early age. The discs are then less able to flex with movement, and more prone to bulging or rupture. The calcified inner disc material puts pressure on the spinal cord, causing pain and damage to the nerves running through the spinal cord. Severe pain to paralysis can occur, as well as inability to urinate or defaecate, and disc ruptures in the neck can cause respiratory paralysis and death. Signs of intervertebral disc rupture most commonly occur in chondrodystrophic breeds between 3-6 years of age. Calcification of discs is generally apparent on x-rays by 2 years. Ruptures can occur anywhere, but are more common in the upper back (65%), followed by the neck area (18%). IVDD can occur in non-chondrodystrophic breeds as well, with the most commonly affected being German shepherd dogs, Labrador retrievers and Dobermanns. In these breeds disc rupture tends to occur later, at around 8 years of age on average. Obesity is also a major risk factor for IVDD. Disc rupture is generally suspected from clinical signs of severe pain or neurologic deficits, and is confirmed via myelography (injecting dye into the spinal canal which is then visible on x-ray) or MRI. Plain x-rays are not diagnostic for disc rupture, however they may rule out other conditions. In less severe cases treatment may be successful with medication, nursing and strict cage rest for a number of weeks. With significant nerve deficits or any ongoing deterioration, surgical removal of the prolapsed disc is the treatment of choice. Recovery from surgery involves physiotherapy and good pain management, and if treated early the prognosis for IVDD is generally good.

***Though this disorder is rare in the Miniature Pinscher. This disorder is associated with the breed due to having Dachshund in their ancestry. We have taken the stand to test for it in our adult dogs.

Black hair follicular dysplasia (BHFD)

BHFD is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait and is a type of alopecia (hair loss) that only affects areas of black fur. It is seen in bicolor and tricolor dogs. Pups are born normally, but may show a dulling of the normal dark, glossy black hair. The hair on adjacent white skin grows normally. With time black hairs become brittle and break easily. Black hair fails to grow, and skin can become scaly. It is thought that BHFD may be related to the condition “colour dilution alopecia”, in which hair loss is seen in color dilute animals (e.g. blue and fawn dogs). Both conditions seem to involve defects in the processing and transport of the skin and hair pigment melanin. With BHFD, the hair follicles in areas of black hair are abnormal, with clumps of melanin, distorted follicles and hyperkeratosis seen on histopathology. These abnormal hair follicles are prone to infection, and so affected areas of skin can develop bacterial folliculitis, an infection that is very irritating and can sometimes lead to deeper skin infection (pyoderma). Treatment is symptomatic only, and abnormal or missing hairs will not be replaced by normal hairs. Topical antiseptics or antibiotics are used for bacterial folliculitis. Antiseborrhoeic shampoos and oil rinses are often helpful, and general skin treatments such as omega fatty acids are often given. Other treatments recently reported of possible benefit include melatonin, etretinate (a synthetic aromatic retinoid) and niacinamide. Affected animals should not be used for breeding. Several breeds now have a DNA test available to them for screening prior to breeding.

Color Dilute Alopecia (CDA)

This condition is seen in dogs with a dilute colored coat and occurs in up to 90% of blue Dobermanns, and 75% of fawns. This condition also occurs in other breeds where breeding for colour dilute individuals occurs, although it does not tend to be seen at such high rates as in the Dobermann, and prevalence rates can vary depending on the breed. Colour dilute Weimeraners do not seem to be affected at all. The reason for the amount of variation between colour dilute animals of different breeds is not known. The main breeds affected (other than the Dobermann) include the Boston terrier, the Chihuahua (blue), Great Dane (blue), Dachshund (blue), Miniature Schnauzer, Miniature Pinscher (blue), Shetland Sheepdog (blue), Whippet (blue), Standard Poodle (blue), Yorkshire Terrier (grey/blue), Irish Setter (fawn) and the Bernese Mountain Dog. Colour dilution alopecia is a type of follicular dysplasia, and only occurs when colour dilution is present. A blue coloured animal is the colour dilute form of the normal black and tan colouration, and fawn is the colour dilute form of the normal red colouration. It is thought that there is a defect in the regulation of melanisation (pigmentation) and the structure of the hair cortex, although the underlying genetic defect is not fully understood. Affected animals are born with normal hair coats, but usually signs will be seen between 6 months and 2 years of age, when the hair will begin to break, and patchy alopecia (hair loss) occurs. This usually starts on the back, and will progress to widespread hair loss wherever there is light coloured hair. The skin becomes dry and scaly, and is prone to infections. Hair that is lost will not grow back. Affected dogs are also susceptible to sunburn and cold. There is no cure for this condition. Diagnosis is confirmed with skin biopsy, which will show characteristic changes when assessed by an experienced veterinary dermatopathologist. Treatment is symptomatic, using antiseborrhoeic shampoos and oil rinses, moisturisers and antibiotic therapy or antiseptics for secondary infections.