Olive inherited one copy of the variant we tested for Chondrodystrophy and Intervertebral Disc Disease, CDDY/IVDD, Type I IVDD
Mini Bernadoodle Cavapoo mix is at increased risk for Type I IVDD
Mini Bernadoodle Cavapoo mix has one copy of an FGF4 retrogene on chromosome 12. In some breeds such as Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, and Dachshunds (among others) this variant is found in nearly all dogs. While those breeds are known to have an elevated risk of IVDD, many dogs in those breeds never develop IVDD. For mixed breed dogs and purebreds of other breeds where this variant is not as common, risk for Type I IVDD is greater for individuals with this variant than for similar dogs.
This condition is associated with differences in body proportions, such as a longer back and shorter legs, and may increase the risk of spinal disc problems. Disc disease can vary in severity, from mild discomfort to more serious movement changes.
Signs of CDDY are recognized in puppies as it affects body shape. IVDD is usually first recognized in adult dogs, with breed specific differences in age of onset.
Research indicates that dogs with one or two copies of this variant have a similar risk of developing IVDD. However, there are some breeds (e.g. Beagles and Cocker Spaniels, among others) where this variant has been passed down to nearly all dogs of the breed and most do not show overt clinical signs of the disorder. This suggests that there are other genetic and environmental factors (such as weight, mobility, and family history) that contribute to an individual dog’s risk of developing clinical IVDD. Signs of IVDD include neck or back pain, a change in your dog's walking pattern (including dragging of the hind limbs), and paralysis. These signs can be mild to severe, and if your dog starts exhibiting these signs, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for a diagnosis.
For CDDY, dogs with one copy of this variant may have mild proportional differences in their leg length. Dogs with two copies of this variant will often have visually longer bodies and shorter legs. For IVDD, a neurological exam will be performed on any dog showing suspicious signs. Based on the result of this exam, radiographs to detect the presence of calcified discs or advanced imaging (MRI/CT) to detect a disc rupture may be recommended.
IVDD is treated differently based on the severity of the disease. Mild cases often respond to medical management which includes cage rest and pain management, while severe cases are often treated with surgical intervention. Both conservative and surgical treatment should be followed up with rehabilitation and physical therapy.
- Talk to your vet about your dog’s chondrodystrophy and intervertebral disc disease result so you can discuss how it may influence their daily activities and lifestyle.
- This variant is very common in certain breeds, and many dogs with this result will not need any special accommodations because they are unlikely to develop symptoms. However, some breeds are at greater risk, and precautions may help reduce strain on the back and neck.
- Keep your dog fit with regular, low-impact exercise and maintain a healthy weight to support spinal health.
- Consider using ramps to access furniture, avoiding long flights of stairs, and choosing a harness instead of a collar to minimize stress on the spine.