Genetic testing is a very effective way of preventing genetic diseases in many breeds. We have put together a special panel of genetic tests for Dalmatians, covering not only diseases but also coat colour. In the next section of the article you will find a description of all the diseases and traits included in the package Dalmatian PANEL | GenoCan.eu.
Malignant hyperthermia (MH) – The disease is caused by a congenital skeletal muscle disorder where there can be a significant increase in temperature (hyperthermia) up to 45°C, rapid and irregular heartbeat (tachycardia and arrhythmias), rapid breathing, muscle stiffness and can end in renal failure and death. The administration of certain volatile anaesthetics may also be a trigger in genetically predisposed individuals. Inheritance is autosomal dominant.
Degenerative myelopathy (DM) – This neuromuscular disease causes a gradual loss of muscle mass in the hind limbs and back, which is manifested by poor coordination of movements, constricted and asymmetrical gait, or incontinence. The disease affects a wide range of dog breeds (more than 100 dog breeds have been described) and manifests itself in middle to older age. Unfortunately, the disease is incurable and progressively worsens, with death usually occurring after 3-5 years from the first manifestation of the disease due to general weakness and paralysis of the respiratory muscles.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) – Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome is an inherited disease of Dalmatians that severely affects the lungs and causes severe respiratory distress and death. The first signs of this disease usually appear in young dogs around 7 months of age, although they can start as early as 5 months or as late as 10 months. Symptoms develop rapidly; dogs begin to have difficulty breathing, make loud noises, can’t catch their breath and eventually deteriorate until they suffocate. The disease progresses very quickly and unfortunately dogs often die or have to be put to sleep within 3 to 6 weeks. ARDS is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, which means that statistically 25% of puppies will be affected if both of their parents carry the genetic condition.
Hyperuricosuria (HUU) – Hyperuricosuria is a disease that manifests itself in dogs with excessively high levels of uric acid in the urine. Uric acid is a by-product of the metabolism of purines that are found in the diet. In the normal state, uric acid is dissolved in the urine and excreted from the body. In dogs with hyperuricosuria, this process is disturbed, leading to its accumulation in the urine and the eventual formation of urinary stones. Hyperuricosuria in dogs is often genetic in nature, which may increase an individual’s susceptibility to the disease, especially if exposure to purines in the diet is high. The disease affects a wide range of dog breeds (e.g. Dalmatian, Bulldog, Weimaraner, German Shepherd, American Staffordshire Terrier and others). Inheritance is autosomal recessive.
B-Locus (BLOK) – brown colouration – The B “brown” locus influences the synthesis of eumelanin and has a key influence on the final colouration of the nose, mucous membranes and paws. The identified gene for brown colour is TYRP1 (Tyrosinase-related protein 1). Three basic recessive alleles of TYRP1, designated “bs”, “bd” and “bc”, are responsible for the dilution of black eumelanin to brown. The dominant allele “B” is responsible for the production of black pigment. Inheritance is autosomal recessive.
E-Locus (ELOK) – yellow colour – E-locus is a genetic factor that influences the colour variant of the coat in Dalmatians. This variant determines whether a Dalmatian will show only yellow pigment or whether one of the other coat colours, such as brown or black, may also be present. Inheritance is autosomal recessive. If a Dalmatian has two copies of the recessive allele (e/e), it will have a yellow coat. On the other hand, if a Dalmatian has a genotype other than the recessive e/e, then other loci determining coat colour (e.g. the B-locus) will determine the colour of the Dalmatian’s coat. The E-locus is therefore an important genetic factor influencing coat colour variation in Dalmatians.
