The SDCA and the University of Pennsylvania have been working on a project to understand cystinuria in Deerhounds. Thanks to this partnership, we now know that Deerhounds have Type III cystinuria, which means that only intact male Deerhounds are affected, and that neutering prevents stone formation.
Genetic Study
In people, cystinuria is overwhelmingly a genetic problem, with more than 400 mutations found on the two transport genes associated with amino acid reabsorption in the kidneys. Mutations have also been found in several breeds of dog. This makes it likely, along with how the disease occurs in our breed, that there is a genetic component of cystinuria in Deerhounds. The project is currently focused on finding this genetic mutation. Towards that end, the study seeks DNA samples from affected dogs. All that is needed is a saliva sample, which is easy to collect at home and needs no special handling when mailed. You can find out more about sending DNA here.
Quantitative Cystinuria Test
The University of Pennsylvania has also replaced its longstanding Nitroprusside test for cystinuria with a quantitative cystinuria test. While this test has a reference range for all dogs, the SDCA is partnering with Penn to validate a reference range for Deerhounds so we can understand the results for our breed. Toward that end, we are looking for urine and DNA samples from the following:
- Healthy intact male dogs over the age of 18 months.
- Dogs affected with cystinuria. For these dogs, we ideally want samples from before or just after neutering, then 30 and 60 days post neuter.
- Neutered dogs, which can be dogs who did or did not have cystinuria.
Until we have enough samples to validate the test, the SDCA will pay for the cost of the test (a $160 value). In addition, the SDCA will pay for domestic shipping for affected and neutered dogs.
International samples are welcome and can be collected via filter papers, making mailing easy and inexpensive.
More information on participating in the urine testing can be found here.
As always, feel free to contact us with any questions.
Here are some more photos of what stones and crystals can look like :
Is this study in deerhounds still ongoing at UPenn? Jo
Yes! If you have a sample to provide, we would love it. Go to this page https://deerhoundhealth.org/samples-needed/cystinuria-samples/ and write to the cystinuriadnatest gmail address for information. Put all samples you’re not shipping immediately in the freezer. Many thanks for your interest.