Congenital hypothyroidism with goiter (CHG) is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder affecting thyroid gland. Generally, CHG is an adult-onset disorder, but sometimes it also occurs in neonatal period. It affects different dog breeds including Spanish water dog, Fox terrier, Tenterfield terrier and French bulldog. Improper activity of specific proteins leads to inadequate levels of thyroid hormones, which manifests in symptoms like development delay, hypothyroidism, enlarged thyroid glands and signs collectively known as cretinism. Puppies show signs of inactivity, delayed opening of eyes and ear canals. French bulldogs exhibit some unusual phenotypic features with near-normal epiphyseal ossification and closure which is in contrast with other breeds of dogs that do exhibit delayed closure of long bone and epiphyseal ossification.

Inheritance: autosomal recessive - read more

Mutation: TPO gene

Genetic test: The method used for testing is extremely accurate and allows complete differentiation between affected animals, carriers and healthy dogs. Testing can be done at any age.

Disease control: read more

Sample: EDTA whole blood (1.0 ml) or buccal swabs. Detailed information about sampling can be found here.