Chondrodysplasia in Dogs

Category: Bone & Joint
Inheritance: Autosomal recessive
Breeds documented: 4
Published sources: 7

Overview

Altered cartilage development can change the way bones grow, leaving the legs unusually short compared with the body. Some forms create the familiar short-legged build of particular breeds, while other inherited forms produce shortened, bowed limbs. The severity varies, and the head and body can remain normal in size. There are several genetic causes, and DNA tests are available for some forms.

Signs to watch for

Legs that are unusually short for the dog's breed.
Bowed forelegs or outward-turning wrists in some forms.
Unusually short outer toes in the form linked to the ITGA10 gene.

Limb changes may be noticeable during puppyhood, with severity varying between forms.

When to get help Book a vet visit if your puppy's limbs look unusually short or bowed.

Diagnosis and tests

Assessment can include measurements of the limbs and X-rays to examine bone shape and growth. DNA testing is available for some genetic forms. The UC Davis test for short legs linked to the FGF4 gene checks a different cause from changes in the ITGA10 gene. The relevant test therefore depends on the form being investigated.

Breeds with documented risk

4 breeds

By breed size

2 Medium
2 Large

Alaskan MalamuteLarge · Working Group
Norwegian ElkhoundMedium · Hound Group
ChinookLarge · Working Group
Karelian Bear DogMedium · Foundation Stock Service

Inheritance

This condition has more than one known form, and different breeds inherit it in different ways. The sources list the form found in each breed.

Autosomal recessive
Chinook, Karelian Bear Dog, Norwegian Elkhound
A dog is affected only if it inherits two copies of the gene variant, one from each parent. A dog with one copy is a carrier: usually healthy, but able to pass the variant on. When two carriers are bred, on average one puppy in four is affected. A DNA test can tell clear, carrier and at-risk dogs apart.
As stated by OMIA
Autosomal dominant
Basset Hound, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Dachshund, West Highland White Terrier, Scottish Terrier
One copy of the variant, from either parent, is enough to put a dog at risk. On average, an affected dog passes the variant to half of its puppies. Males and females are affected equally.
As stated by UC Davis VGL

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.