Details about the disease
The condition affects a dog’s skin and eyes. Affected dogs are unable to produce tears due to the lack of watery secretions from the lacrimal glands, making their eyes very sore. Their skin becomes very dry and flaky, particularly around the foot, and this can make walking and standing difficult and painful.
Clinical signs
For curly coat
A dry and an unusually curly coat are apparent at birth. Excessive oiliness, skin deterioration and inflammation are effects of this syndrome.
For dry eye
Dogs show their discomfort by rubbing their eyes, squinting and being sensitive to light. Eye(s) may be inflamed and reddened, or the cornea may appear dry and dull. There is commonly a thick mucousy discharge in the eye or in the area around the eye.
How is it inherited?
The disease is described as a recessive condition. This means that a dog must inherit two copies of an abnormal gene (one from its mother and one from its father) before its health is affected. A dog that inherits only one copy of the abnormal gene (from its mother or its father) will have no signs of the disease, but will be a carrier and may pass the gene on to any offspring.
Which laboratories test for this condition?
Two lists of laboratories that test for CC/DE can be found below.
Laboratories that send a copy of your dog's results straight to The Kennel Club, so you don't have to.
| Laboratories | Contact details |
|---|---|
|
Kennel Club CombiBreed (UK) Available as part of an all-on one health test package for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel |
Read more about CombiBreed |
| Animal DNA Diagnostics (UK) | Phone: 01223 395577 Email: Animal DNA Diagnostics Web: www.animaldnadiagnostics.co.uk |
| AHT (UK) | The AHT closed down on 31 July and no longer offers this test. Web: www.aht.org.uk |
| Laboklin (UK) | Phone: 0161 282 3066 Email: Laboklin Web: www.laboklin.co.uk |
| Pet Genetics Lab (UK) | Phone: 01624 679 720 Email: Pet Genetics Lab Web: www.petgeneticslab.co.uk |
Where will your dog's results be published?
DNA test results from these laboratories are sent directly to The Kennel Club and are added to the dog's record in the registration database, and are published:
- in the next available Breed Records Supplement
- on the Health Test Results Finder
Laboratories that do not send a copy of your dog's results to The Kennel Club. You'll need to do this yourself.
| Laboratories | Contact details |
|---|---|
| Antagene (France) | Email: Antagene Web: www.antagene.com/en |
| Genomia (Czech Republic) | Email: Genomia Web: www.genomia.cz |
| Paw Print Genetics (USA) | Email: Paw Print Genetics Web: www.pawprintgenetics.com |
| Van Haeringen (Holland) | Email: Van Haeringen
Web: www.vhlgenetics.com |
| VetGen (USA) |
Web: www.vetgen.com |
How to submit DNA test results to The Kennel Club
The laboratories listed above do not send your dog's DNA test results to The Kennel Club. To have these results placed on your dog's record please submit them yourself by scanning and emailing them to our health results team.
What we require on the results certificate
Please note that we require at least two forms of identification on the result certificate. These must include the dog's microchip or tattoo number along with either the dog's registered name or registered number. Results without these details cannot be accepted by us.
Where will your dog's results be published once you have submitted them?
DNA test results received by The Kennel Club are added to the dog's record in the registration database, and are published:
- in the next available Breed Records Supplement
- on the Health Test Results Finder
How to responsibly breed from your DNA-tested dog
If, once your dog is DNA tested, you would like to find out what their DNA test results mean, or how to select the right mate to avoid producing affected puppies, then please read our breeding advice and DNA testing information.
How to find out if a potential mate has been DNA tested
The Kennel Club’s on the Health Test Results Finder allows you to find the results of DNA tests carried out as part of The Kennel Club's official DNA testing schemes for any dog on The Kennel Club’s Breed Register.