Belgian/Dutch Shepherd genetic pack

Tests included in this pack (5)

• Central nervous system atrophy with cerebellar ataxia (CACA)
• Cardiomyopathy with juvenile mortality (CJM)
• Spongy degeneration with cerebellar ataxia type 1 (SDCA1)
• Spongy degeneration with cerebellar ataxia type 2 (SDCA2)
• Canine degenerative myelopathy exon 2 (all breeds)

Each test includes the complete analysis and the detailed report. Click on the test to view its details.

Diseases included in this pack

Central Nervous System Atrophy with Cerebellar Ataxia (CACA) (Autosomal recessive.)

Central nervous system atrophy with cerebellar ataxia (CACA) of the Belgian Shepherd, caused by a deletion in the SELENOP gene (formerly SEPP1) that impairs selenium transport. Affected puppies show progressive ataxia and cerebellar signs. The genetic test is complementary to the neurological examination.

Cardiomyopathy with Juvenile Mortality (CJM) (Autosomal recessive)

Hereditary cardiomyopathy of the Belgian Shepherd that causes juvenile mortality. It produces early heart failure with myocardial dilatation and dysfunction, and affected puppies die in the first weeks or months of life. It is a severe, incurable entity, distinct from the cardiomyopathies of the adult dog.

Spongy Degeneration with Cerebellar Ataxia Type 1 (SDCA1) (Autosomal recessive)

Recessive neurodegenerative disease of the Belgian Shepherd, described mainly in the Malinois variety, combining very early-onset cerebellar ataxia and spongy degeneration of white and grey matter. Signs appear around 4 weeks of life and progress rapidly to death or euthanasia within a few weeks. Histologically, bil…

Spongy Degeneration with Cerebellar Ataxia Type 2 (SDCA2) (Autosomal recessive.)

Second form of spongy degeneration with cerebellar ataxia of the Belgian Shepherd, also recessive and described in the Malinois. It shares early onset (4 weeks) and bilateral-symmetrical vacuolation of the neuropil with SDCA1, but adds seizures, circling and central blindness. The rapid progression almost always nec…

Canine Degenerative Myelopathy exon 2 (All Breeds) (Autosomal recessive with age-dependent and incomplete penetrance)

Neurodegenerative disease of the spinal cord, the canine equivalent of human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) due to SOD1 mutations. The classic variant (exon 2 of the SOD1 gene, described in 'all breeds') produces a dysfunctional superoxide dismutase 1 and degeneration of the long spinal tracts, with progressive…

Frequently asked questions

What does this pack include?

It includes 5 hereditary disease tests: Central Nervous System Atrophy with Cerebellar Ataxia (CACA), Cardiomyopathy with Juvenile Mortality (CJM), Spongy Degeneration with Cerebellar Ataxia Type 1 (SDCA1), Spongy Degeneration with Cerebellar Ataxia Type 2 (SDCA2)…. All are analysed in our laboratory.

What do the results mean?

The report shows the genotype and inheritance pattern of each variant. It is a breeding-decision tool: it guides which crosses to avoid, it does not guarantee the absence of disease.

How is the sample taken?

Buccal swab or 0.5–1 ml EDTA blood. The kit ships free to Spain, the EU and the UK.