Chondrodystrophy in Dogs

Category: Bone & Joint
Inheritance: Autosomal dominant
Breeds documented: 3
Published sources: 5

Overview

Chondrodystrophy describes a body shape with legs that are short compared with the body. It can also involve early wear of the discs, the cushions between the bones of the spine. These discs may rupture and press on the spinal cord, causing pain, weakness, or paralysis. A common FGF4 gene variant raises this risk, but it does not explain every case of disc disease.

Signs to watch for

Legs that are short relative to body length
Neck or back pain if disc disease develops
An unsteady walk or dragging paws with disc disease
Hind-leg weakness or paralysis with disc disease

The body shape is apparent in puppies; related disc disease often appears in young adulthood.

Emergency Go to an emergency vet now if your dog loses the use of its hind legs.

Diagnosis and tests

Vets assess the dog's body shape, movement, and physical examination findings. X-rays can show disc changes, while CT or MRI scans provide more detailed images of the spine. A DNA test can detect the common FGF4 variant associated with shortened legs and increased disc-disease risk.

Breeds with documented risk

3 breeds

By breed size

1 Toy
2 Medium

Bavarian Mountain Scent HoundMedium · Foundation Stock Service
Karelian Bear DogMedium · Foundation Stock Service
Russian Tsvetnaya BolonkaToy · Toy Group

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 dominant
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
Semi-dominant
One copy of the variant has an effect, and two copies have a stronger one.
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.