DNA test - NCL8 (Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis)

Details about the disease

It is one of a number of lysosomal storage diseases. Lysosomes are structures within cells that are responsible for breaking down and recycling unwanted cellular components and produce a number of key enzymes that are involved in this recycling process. Mutations in specific genes affect the efficiency of this process and cause the accumulation of intermediate chemicals to levels that can be toxic to cells, particularly to neuronal (nerve) cells. This leads to progressive neurodegeneration (degeneration of brain and eye cells) and results in severe neurological impairment and early death.

Clinical signs

Affected dogs appear normal at birth, but begin to exhibit clinical effects early in life – around 1-2 years of age. The age of onset and severity of the disease can vary greatly among individuals. The clinical effects include progressive motor decline with seizures and loss of coordinated muscle movements, cognitive decline (decline in mental processes such as learning, memory and attention) and abnormal behaviour. Visual impairment may occur.

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 we record and publish the results from?

To find out which laboratories The Kennel Club is able to record results from, and which laboratories will send results directly to The Kennel Club, please refer to our website.

Please be aware, The Kennel Club has a set of criteria that we request DNA testing laboratories to meet to enable us to record their results, helping to maintain and protect the integrity of results that appear on a dog’s record. We strongly advise that customers ensure their chosen laboratory is included on our list if they wish The Kennel Club to record and publish the results. Results from laboratories not included on this list will not be recorded.

Breeding advice and what your dog's results mean

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.