Leonberger Genetic Testing Panel
Leonbergers, along with several other breeds, are affected by a cluster of hereditary polyneuropathies. Polyneuropathy is caused by damage to peripheral nerves (the nerves beyond the brain and spinal cord). Similar to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease in humans, the polyneuropathies affecting the Leo can take different forms and is characterized by a slowly progressive degeneration of the muscles in the lower limbs. The disease also affects the muscles used to swallow or breath, resulting in laryngeal paralysis to some degree.
The Leonberger Community has taken a proactive approach to identifying the genes associated with this cluster of disease in our dogs. As such, we have genetic disease tests that identify the alleles associated with ~50% of the forms of polyneuropathy we see in our breed.
Neurological disorders such as laryngeal paralysis and polyneuropathy were reported in 6% of the 2019 LHFI Health Survey sample. The LHFI continues to support research at the Universities of Bern and Minnesota to locate the genes responsible for the remaining LPPNs (Laryngeal Paralysis and Polyneuropathy).
The Leonberger Community has taken a proactive approach to identifying the genes associated with this cluster of disease in our dogs. As such, we have genetic disease tests that identify the alleles associated with ~50% of the forms of polyneuropathy we see in our breed.
Neurological disorders such as laryngeal paralysis and polyneuropathy were reported in 6% of the 2019 LHFI Health Survey sample. The LHFI continues to support research at the Universities of Bern and Minnesota to locate the genes responsible for the remaining LPPNs (Laryngeal Paralysis and Polyneuropathy).
Information on how to test your Leo
The Leonberger Genetic Testing Panel is run at the University of Minnesota (USA) and the University of Bern (Europe).
The LHFI is aware that other private companies now offer these tests, in part or whole, however we STRONGLY recommend that the Universities of Bern and Minnesota be used. The blood samples submitted to the universities are stored as part of the Leonberger DNA Bank and used for genetic research in the areas of osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, glaucoma, cardiac diseases, thyroid disease, Addisons Disease, neurological disorders, longevity & aging, and population diversity. The work that these universities do is INVALUABLE to our breed.
For instructions on how to have this panel run for your Leo, use the following links:
The LHFI is aware that other private companies now offer these tests, in part or whole, however we STRONGLY recommend that the Universities of Bern and Minnesota be used. The blood samples submitted to the universities are stored as part of the Leonberger DNA Bank and used for genetic research in the areas of osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, glaucoma, cardiac diseases, thyroid disease, Addisons Disease, neurological disorders, longevity & aging, and population diversity. The work that these universities do is INVALUABLE to our breed.
For instructions on how to have this panel run for your Leo, use the following links:
Ongoing Laryngeal Paralysis-Polyneuropathy Research
The tests for LPN1, LPN2, and LPPN3 do not account for all confirmed or suspected cases of laryngeal paralysis and polyneuropathy. Until additional DNA-based test(s) are developed, the only way to confirm a suspected diagnosis of laryngeal paralysis is via laryngoscopy and/or nerve conduction study; polyneuropathy is diagnosed via a nerve and muscle biopsy.
Dogs showing clinical signs of polyneuropathy may qualify for free LPN1, LPN2, and LPPN3 testing. Special forms and instructions, as well as pre-approval, are required for free testing. Please e-mail cgl@umn.edu to see if your dog may be eligible.
Please use Adobe Acrobat Reader to view, complete, save and print the forms. You can download versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader directly from Adobe.
Dogs showing clinical signs of polyneuropathy may qualify for free LPN1, LPN2, and LPPN3 testing. Special forms and instructions, as well as pre-approval, are required for free testing. Please e-mail cgl@umn.edu to see if your dog may be eligible.
Please use Adobe Acrobat Reader to view, complete, save and print the forms. You can download versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader directly from Adobe.
Leonberger Genetic Testing Panel - The Cliff Notes Version
For the full write up, visit the University of Minnesota's Leonberger Health Panel page -
Genetics Educational Resources
Carrier, Genotype, Partially Penetrant, WHAT??
There are many nuances to genetics and, unfortunately, little is as straight forward as Gregor Mendel's pea plants would have us believe. Here are a few short and simple videos that may help bridge the gap (created for high school Biology students):
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