Tag archives: hyperuricosuria

Though the cruel bull-baiting practices for which the ancestors of bulldogs were used have long passed, the enthusiasm for the modern bulldog as a friendly companion animal is as fervent and robust as ever. Ranked the 4^th most registered dog in the AKC, it’s no secret to most that the bulldog has established itself as one of America’s favorite canines. Through selective breeding practices, the previously fierce and aggressive bulldog of old has given way to a gentle, even tempered, yet strong willed breed with copious amounts of character; in both temperament and physical attributes. Unfortunately, like other purebred dogs, during the course of breed development, some inherited genetic diseases have come to light that can make life difficult for bulldogs and those that love them. Luckily, through the use of genetic testing technologies and selective breeding, some of these inherited diseases can be completely eliminated (or greatly reduced in frequency) from blood lines. One example of an inherited disease that can now be prevented in the bulldog is an inherited form of urinary stones known as hyperuricosuria (HUU), caused by a genetic mutation in the SLC2A9 gene.

Clinical Signs of HUU

Dogs affected with HUU lack a protein which ...

When we bring a new puppy into the home, we often envision years of companionship and adventures. Hiking, swimming, hunting and running are just a few activities our healthy canine companions can join us on – and there’s something to be said for the bonding that takes place when we’re just lounging around the house, too.

For healthy dogs, the financial investment of daily care and routine veterinarian visits is well worth the cost of keeping them a healthy, happy and active member of the family. Unhealthy dogs due to poor breeding practices, however, exact a premium on our pocketbooks, tax our emotions and take a toll on our daily lives – not to mention the quality of life the puppy is condemned to live.

While many unforeseen diseases and health issues can affect a dog throughout its lifetime, there are nearly 200 disease-causing genetic mutations known to science. These mutations can be identified in dogs prior to breeding, which allows breeders to produce healthier puppies. As a new-puppy buyer, make sure you’re purchasing from a breeder that has screened for genetic disorders common to your breed of choice.

Seven of the most common, and potentially deadly, diseases include:

Degenerative ...

It is no secret among many Dalmatian owners and their breeders that their beautiful breed is prone to developing bladder stones (uroliths) made of urates as they have historically been the poster puppies for the inherited condition, known as hyperuricosuria. However, many don’t realize that the same genetic mutation responsible for these stones has been reported in over a dozen breeds of dog, although at a much lower frequency.

Urates are formed from uric acid, a product of the breakdown of natural compounds of the body and from our food, known as purines. Affected dogs are predisposed to the formation of these bladder stones due to a mutation in the SLC2A9 gene¹; a gene that serves as the blueprint for a protein responsible for transporting uric acid in the body. In dogs free of this mutation, this transporter plays an important role in transporting uric acid from the blood into the liver for degradation and from urine produced in the kidney, back into the blood. Affected dogs cannot perform these tasks adequately, thus resulting in a high level of uric acid in both the blood (hyperuricemia) and urine (hyperuricosuria). The disorder is inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion meaning ...