Animal DNA Diagnostics Ltd now offers the test for Pituitary Dwarfism in the German Shepherd Dog. The test is available to order from our website. The test costs £48 incl. VAT, and is performed using mouth swabs which we will post out to you. We are also offering a bundle where the Pituitary Dwarfism test will be added to your GSD Breed Council DNA profiling for £72 incl. VAT.
Pituitary Dwarfs are growth retarded due to a defect in the development of the pituitary gland. In addition to their small stature they have many hidden problems including kidney, liver, cardiovascular and neurological defects. They also develop alopecia (baldness) and are prone to skin infection, giving them a scruffy appearance. Their life expectancy is poor, many only living to 4-5 years. Given their many health problems, affected pups should not be viewed as desirable, and their breeding should be avoided.
Pituitary Dwarfism is caused by a recessive genetic mutation. This means that dogs which carry the mutation (“CARRIERS”) are normal but will pass the mutation on to an average of 50% of their offspring. Puppies which inherit two copies of the mutation will have Pituitary Dwarfism (“AFFECTED”).
This test is particularly useful for breeders:
To identify carriers among their breeding stock so that they can avoid CARRIER X CARRIER mating combinations which would risk AFFECTED puppies.
To conclusively confirm Pituitary Dwarfism in an affected pup