Cystinuria Test

For: Newfoundlands

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Cystinuria is an autosomal recessive, inherited disease that affects many breeds. It is especially severe in Newfoundlands due to formation of crystals and stones of the amino acid cystine that can obstruct the urinary tract. In this disease, cystine is not re-absorbed by the kidney and therefore high concentrations can accumulate and precipitate in the urine.

Newfoundlands inherit this disease in an autosomal recessive fashion, meaning that both parents of an affected dog were themselves affected or carriers of the disease. Each parent passed one mutant disease gene to the affected offspring. The gene and the mutation responsible in Newfoundlands are known. Based on this information, a DNA-based genetic test is available that can identify a dog as normal/clear, carrier or affected. This is essential information for controlling the disease in the breed and in kennels where tight line breeding reveals the mutation in that line.

Please follow the instructions at the link "Ship Sample" and submit the information at "Request Test". The cost of the cystinuria test for Newfoundlands is $80 per test.

Reference:

Henthorn, PS et al. Canine cystinuria: polymorphism in the canine SLC3A1 gene and identification of a nonsense mutation in cystinuric Newfoundland dogs. Human Genetics: 107:295-303, 2000.

For more information on this breed and the disease, go to: Newfoundland Dog Club.