Details about the disease
Normally, cystine is filtered in the kidney and reabsorbed within the tubules, resulting in little cystine in the urine. Dogs with cystinuria (defective transport of the amino acid cystine in the kidney tubules) do not properly reabsorb the cystine (and a few other amino acids) in the kidney tubules, causing the urine to contain abnormally high levels of cystine. Cystine is insoluble in neutral pH or acidic urine, so excess urinary cystine results in the formation of crystals, which in turn can lead to formation of cystine calculi (stones) in the kidney and/or the bladder. Dogs suffering from cystinuria suffer repeated urinary tract inflammations, and are at risk for urinary blockage, which can, if not treated promptly, lead to kidney failure, bladder rupture and death.
Clinical signs
The average age of onset of clinical signs attributable to cystinuria is about 4.8 years, but in Newfoundlands, signs appear as early as 6 months to 1 year, suggesting that Newfoundlands suffer from a more severe form of the disorder than other breeds.
How is it inherited?
The disease is described as an autosomal-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 CU 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 |
|---|---|
| Animal DNA Diagnostics (UK) | Phone: 01223 395577 Email: Animal DNA Diagnostics Web: www.animaldnadiagnostics.co.uk |
| Animal Genetics (UK) | Phone: 01726 247788 Email: Animal Genetics Web: www.animalgenetics.eu |
| Laboklin (UK) | Phone: 0161 282 3066 Email: Laboklin Web: www.laboklin.co.uk |
| Paw Print Genetics (USA) | Email: Paw Print Genetics: Web: www.pawprintgenetics.com |
| Pet Genetics Lab (USA) | 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 recorded on 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 (Fracne) | Email: Antagene Web: www.antagene.com/en |
| DDC Veterinary (USA) | Email: DDC Veterinary Web: www.vetdnacenter.com/ |
| Genetic Technologies (Australia) | Web: www.animalnetwork.com.au/ |
| Genindexe (France) | Email: Genindexe Web: www.genindexe.com |
| Genomia (Czech Republic) | Email: Genomia Web: www.genomia.cz |
| MyDogDNA (Finland) | Email: MyDogDNA Web: www.mydogdna.com |
| HealthGene (Canada) | Email: HealthGene Web: www.healthgene.com |
| PennGen (USA) | Email: PennGen Web: http://research.vet.upenn.edu |
| Pinmoore Animal Lab Services (UK) | Phone: 01829 781855 Email: Pinmoore Animal Lab Services Web: www.palsvetlab.co.uk |
| 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 recorded on 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 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.