Osteochondrodysplasia is inherited as a monogenic autosomal recessive trait in several breeds. It affects the growth of bone and cartilage leading to a disproportionate dwarfism. The long bones of the forelimbs are most severely affected, whereas the length and depth of the body is normal. Adult dogs with osteochondrodysplasia are overbuilt and stand on too short legs. The front leges show a 'radius curvus'. A radius curvus develops when the radius continues to grow after the ulna has already stopped growing. A radius curvus can be caused by osteochondrodysplasia, other disorders in bone development or trauma. The precise diagnosis can be made based on X-ray examinations. The malformation can already be seen in affected puppies a few weeks after birth. Due to the asynchronous growth of radius and ulna elbow problems are very likely to develop during the lifespan of affected dogs.  

We would like to identify the causative mutation for osteochondrodysplasia in the Hovawart. Our aim is the development of a genetic test, which will allow the unequivocal diagnosis of carrier animals. For the research we need EDTA blood samples from affected dogs, ideally together with their parents and siblings. We therefore ask breeders and owners to donate samples for our research. 

Contact: Elisabeth Dietschi