Osteochondrodysplasia (OCD) in Miniature Poodles

Quick Summary

Osteochondrodysplasia is characterized by stunted growth and abnormal locomotion. Affected animals develop splayed hind limbs, enlarged joints, flattened rib cages, shortened and bent long bones, and deformed paws.

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Phenotype: Osteochondrodysplasia is characterized by stunted growth and abnormal locomotion. Affected animals develop splayed hind limbs, enlarged joints, flattened rib cages, shortened and bent long bones, and deformed paws.

Mode of Inheritance: Autosomal recessive

Alleles: N = Normal, OCD = Osteochondrodysplasia

Breeds appropriate for testing: Miniature Poodle

Explanation of Results:

  • Dogs with N/N genotype will not have osteochondrodysplasia and cannot transmit this osteochondrodysplasia variant to their offspring.
  • Dogs with N/OCD genotype will not have osteochondrodysplasia, but are carriers. They may transmit this osteochondrodysplasia variant to 50% of their offspring. Matings between two carriers are predicted to produce 25% osteochondrodysplasia-affected puppies.
  • Dogs with OCD/OCD genotype will have osteochondrodysplasia, an inherited skeletal and cartilaginous disorder.

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

Osteochondrodysplasia (OCD) is an inherited disorder found in Miniature Poodles. The disease is characterized by stunted growth and abnormal locomotion that can be observed at about 3 weeks of age. Affected animals develop abducted (splayed) hind limbs, enlarged joints, flattened rib cages, shortened and bent long bones and deformed paws. The inheritance is autosomal recessive, thus both sexes are equally affected and carriers show no signs of the disease. Research has identified a deletion in the Sulfate Transporter gene, SLC13A1, which is associated with OCD in Miniature Poodles.