Sensory Neuropathy (SN) is a hereditary disease which can be tested with a DNA test. Sensory neuropathy in the Border Collie breed is a severe neurological disorder caused by the degeneration of sensory and motor nerve cells. Clinical signs start between 2 and 7 months of age and include progressive proprioceptive ataxia with intermittent knuckling of the paws, hyperextension of the limbs, and self-mutilation wounds in the distal part of the limbs. Usually, the pelvic limbs are more severely affected than the thoracic limbs. In some cases autonomic signs such as urinary incontinence and, in the later stage, regurgitation has also been reported. 

Inheritance: autosomal recessive - read more

Mutation: FAM134B 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.