Details about the disease
SCA is a progressive irreversible condition that causes degeneration in the areas of the spinal cord that carry information to the brain. Most dogs with SCA are put to sleep at a young age due to poor quality of life.
Clinical signs
Affected dogs show signs as early as 2-6 months of age. These signs are presented as coordination difficulties such as pelvic limb swaying when walking, difficulty jumping and climbing stairs, frequent falling due to balance problems and difficulty returning to standing position.
How is it inherited?
SCA is associated with a mutation in the CAPN1 gene. It is suggested that the inheritance of SCA may occur via an autosomal recessive mutation. 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 SCA 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:
|
Read more about CombiBreed |
| AHT (UK) | The AHT closed down on 31 July and no longer offers this test. Web: www.aht.org.uk |
| Animal DNA Diagnostics (UK) | Phone: 01223 395577 Email: Animal DNA Diagnostics Web: www.animaldnadiagnostics.co.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 recorded on to the dog's record in the registration database, and are published:
- in the next available Breed Records Supplement
- on our 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 |
|---|---|
|
Genomia (Czech Republic) |
Email: Genomia |
| MyDogDNA (Finland) | Email: MyDogDNA Web: www.mydogdna.com |
| Paw Print Genetics (USA) | Email: Paw Print Genetics Web: www.pawprintgenetics.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 can not 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 our 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.