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. A relatively mild form of disproportionate dwarfism has been noticed Labrador Retrievers. Affected dogs have slightly shorter legs but according to our knowledge no other health problems such as e.g. secondary arthrosis. This mild osteochondrodysplasia is genetically distinct from retina dyplasia/oculoskeletal dysplasia (RD/OSD), for which genetic testing is already available.  

We would like to identify the causative mutation for osteochondrodysplasia in the Labrador Retriever. 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: Tosso Leeb