Familial Enamel Hypoplasia (FEH) of Italian Greyhounds

Quick Summary

Autosomal recessive amelogenesis imperfecta (ARAI), also known as familial enamel hypoplasia (FEH), is an inherited genetic disorder of tooth enamel that occurs in Italian Greyhounds.

Closeup of Italian Greyhound teeth, affected by FEH.
Italian Greyhound with FEH. The enamel surfaces are roughened, with blochy discoloration. Cavities are uncommon, but this dog has cavities at tips of upper and lower canines.
Closeup of Italian Greyhound teeth, unaffected by FEH
Italian Greyhound with normal teeth. Teeth are larger, not pointed; enamel is smooth, not discolored. Gaps between teeth are narrower.

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Phenotype: Familial enamel hypoplasia (FEH) is characterized by enamel pitting and tooth discoloration; often teeth are unusually small, pointed, and prone to increasing gaps between teeth with age.

Mode of Inheritance: Autosomal recessive

Alleles: N = Normal, FEH = Familial enamel hypoplasia

Breeds appropriate for testing: Italian Greyhound

Explanation of Results:

  • Dogs with N/N genotype will not have familial enamel hypoplasia and cannot transmit this variant to their offspring.
  • Dogs with N/FEH genotype will not be affected by familial enamel hypoplasia, but are carriers. They will transmit this variant to 50% of their offspring. Matings between two carriers are predicted to produce 25% familial enamel hypoplasia-affected puppies.
  • Dogs with FEH/FEH genotype will have familial enamel hypoplasia and will transmit this variant to all of their offspring.

Results of this test can be submitted to the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals)

Turnaround Time
At least 15 business days; may be delayed beyond 15 business days if sample requires additional testing, or a new sample is requested.
Price

$55 single test per animal ($5 discount on 3 or more dogs)
$25 as additional health test on same animal

Sample Collection

Dog DNA tests are carried out using cells brushed from your dog's cheeks and gums. The preferred cytology brushes are sent to you by mail, or you may provide your own brushes. For accepted alternative brushes, click here

We recommend waiting until puppies are at least three weeks old before testing.

 

Dog having its cheeks and gums brushed for DNA samples
Cheek and gum brushing technique for canine DNA sample collection

Step-By-Step:

  1. Make sure the dog has not had anything to eat or drink for at least 1 hour prior to collecting sample.
  2. When swabbing puppies, isolate each puppy from the mother, littermates and any shared toys for 1 hour prior to swabbing. Puppies should not have nursed or eaten for 1 hour prior to collecting sample.
  3. If collecting samples from more than one dog, make sure to sample one dog at a time and wash your hands before swabbing another dog.
  4. Label brush sleeve with name or ID of dog to be sampled.
  5. Open brush sleeve by arrow and remove one brush by its handle.
  6. Place bristle head between the dog’s gums and cheek and press lightly on the outside of the cheek while rubbing or rotating the brush back and forth for 15 seconds.
  7. Wave the brush in the air for 20 seconds to air dry.
  8. Insert brush back into sleeve.
  9. Repeat steps 5 - 8 for each unused brush in sleeve on a fresh area of cheek and gums. Make sure to use and return all brushes sent by the VGL. In most cases, it will be 3 brushes per dog. If using interdental gum brushes, please note that the VGL requires 4 brushes per dog and only moderate or wide interdental gum brushes are accepted.
  10. Do not seal brushes in sleeve.
  11. Place all samples in an envelope and return to the address provided.

ATTENTION:

  • Do not collect saliva/drool – the key to obtaining a good sample is getting cheek cells on the swab
  • Do not rub swab on the dog’s tongue or teeth – this will result in poor quality sample
  • Do not collect a sample from a puppy that has recently nursed – the mother’s genetic material can rub off on the puppy’s mouth and contaminate the sample
Additional Details

Autosomal recessive amelogenesis imperfecta (ARAI) is an inherited genetic disorder of tooth enamel that occurs in Italian Greyhounds. It is commonly known to breeders as familial enamel hypoplasia (FEH). It is characterized by enamel pitting and tooth discoloration; often teeth are unusually small, pointed and prone to increasing gaps between teeth with age. There appears to be no association of FEH with periodontitis.

Dr. Niels Pedersen and his research group at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis identified the mutation associated with FEH in Italian Greyhounds. It is estimated that 14% of Italian Greyhounds are affected with FEH and 30% are carriers.

Testing for FEH assists owners and breeders in identifying affected and carrier dogs. Breeders can use results from the test as a tool for selection of mating pairs to avoid producing affected dogs.

 

Note: This test is only for the variant associated with FEH in Italian Greyhounds. If you would like to test a Samoyed for FEH, see the breed-specific Samoyed test.