Hereditary nephritis (HN) / Alport syndrome is a hereditary disease which can be tested with a DNA test. Hereditary glomerulopathy in Samoyed resembles hereditary nephritis (HN) in man. Human and dog hereditary nephritis describes a group of inherited glomerular diseases of collagen type IV. this hereditary disease is inherited as an X- linked trait. Affected males and carrier females spontaneously develop proteinuria, but only males progress to renal failure.

The clinical course of HN in studied Samoyed dogs showed proteinuria developed at 2 to 3 months of age. In affected males a decreased growth rate was detected after 3 months, dogs became progressively thinner, and died from renal failure by 15 months of age. In contrast, the only change noted in the appearance of carrier females as they became older was failure to achieve normal weight.

Inheritance: X-linked - read more

Mutation: COL4A5 gene

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

Disease control: read more

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