TESTING FOR IVDD

Helpful links for breeders

TESTING FOR IVDD

Helpful links for breeders

IVDD is a genetic disease with no current cure.  At this point in time the only way to reduce the incidence of IVDD is X-Ray screening and scoring on dachshunds between 24-48 months of age.  The aim of X-ray screening for IVDD is to reduce the occurrence of herniations, by encouraging breeding with dogs that have low numbers of calcifications. This will then assist with ethical breeding programs, to help reduce this disease.

WHILST DISA’S PURPOSE IS TO PROMOTE AWARENESS & PROVIDE EDUCATION TO OWNERS OF DACHSHUNDS, AND TO PROVIDE NON JUDGEMENTAL SUPPORT TO THOSE OWNERS AFFECTED BY IVDD; THE AUSTRALIAN BREEDING COMMUNITY ALSO NEED TO COLLECTIVELY WORK TOGETHER TO PROMOTE ETHICAL BREEDING PRACTICES, INCLUDING FINDING A CURE OR A WAY TO AT LEAST REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF THIS HEARTBREAKING DISEASE.

DISA has compiled the following list of links to assist those who are currectly or considering entering the breeding arena. 

IVDD X-Ray scoring

X-ray screening and back scoring has been used in Scandinavia for several years and is currently the best available tool to help us reduce the genetic risk of IVDD.

NDC Australia – Testing Information

Click here for testing & Australian providers

For further information regarding testing in Australia email National Dachshund Council (Australia)

DNA test for CDDY & IVDD

The conclusions from the AHT samples and Danish samples mean that the UCD “test” cannot be used to screen against IVDD and our advice remains that National Dachshund Council Australia Tests Database & IVDD Testing Procedures is the only viable test available currently.

 

We do not recommend the use of the UC Davis “DNA Test” for IVDD

Ref:  Ref: Dachshund IVDD UK (DNA Test for IVDD)

Ref: Canine Medicine & Genetics Journal December 2020

The test provided by Orivet (Chondrodystrophy (CDDY) and Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) – SINGLE ASSAY TEST)

The conclusion of this Research Article is that the DNA test for the CDDY mutation (Orivet (Chondrodystrophy (CDDY) and Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) – SINGLE ASSAY TEST) is only associated with disc degeneration and is not predictive for herniation.

We know that Dachshunds’ discs calcify from a young age and we know (from a recent paper) that 98% of Dachshunds tested are “fixed” (homozygous) for the CDDY mutation.

The fact that around 75% of Dachshunds do not suffer from herniated discs confirms our view that using this DNA test in our breed is largely a waste of money.

Link: Sage Journals Abstract

For further research click on the links below:

Academic Dissertation by Anu Lappalainen
Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Helsinki, Finland
Link: Radiographic Screening for Hereditary Skeletal Disorders in Dogs

National Dachshund Council Australia Tests Database & IVDD Testing Procedures
Link: NDC Australia Screening Process

Intervertebral disc disease (IDD): Instructions for radiography according to the Finnish Kennel Club protocol
Anu Lappalainen / 13.6.2015
Link: Finland Screening

The National Dachshund Council(Australia) is an affiliate of the Australian National Kennel Control.  The primary role of the NDC is to encourage and promote in every way the quality of breeding, care, training and exhibition of the Dachshund.  The secondary role is to disseminate information from the ANKC to member clubs representing the Dachshund fraternity Australia-wide.
Link: NDC Australia Website

A presentation by Ian Seath of the UK Dachshund Breed Council on the UK X-Ray screening program on IVDD.  For all dachshund owners, this is what Australia should also be doing and following suit. This presentation is a must-view if you care about the future of this breed and back health.

Tell the breeder