Our chocolate trindle boy, Bullistik All That Bling ‘MilkDud’, has had the following health clearances through the DNA Genetic lab GenSol:
Canine Multifocal Retinopathy
Common Symptoms
Multifocal Retinopathy 1 is an inherited disorder of the Retina affecting several breeds of dog. Affected dogs typically present between 11 and 16 weeks of age with multiple discrete circular areas of retinal detachment with underlying fluid accumulation that are visible on an eye exam performed by a veterinarian. These blister-like lesions are typically found in both eyes and can appear gray, tan, orange or pink and vary in number, size and location. Progression of retinal changes is usually slow and new lesions are not noted after 6 to 12 months of age. Occasionally as affected dogs age, lesions appear to heal and are no longer visible on an eye exam. Generally the dog’s vision is not affected although vision loss has been described in some cases of multifocal retinopathy 1.
Breed-Specific Information for the French Bulldog
The Mutation of the BEST1 gene associated with multifocal retinopathy 1 has been identified in French Bulldogs in the Paw Print Genetics laboratory. Neither the frequency of the causal mutation nor its association with disease in this breed has been reported in the medical literature.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy
Common Symptoms
Degenerative Myelopathy is an inherited neurologic disorder caused by a Mutation of the SOD1 gene known to be carried by French bulldogs. This mutation is found in many breeds of dog, though it is not clear for French bulldogs whether all dogs carrying two copies of the mutation will develop the disease. The variable presentation between breeds suggests that there are environmental or other genetic factors responsible for modifying disease expression. The average age of onset for dogs with degenerative myelopathy is approximately nine years of age. The disease affects the White Matter tissue of the spinal cord and is considered the canine equivalent to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease) found in humans. Affected dogs usually present in adulthood with gradual muscle Atrophy and loss of coordination typically beginning in the hind limbs due to degeneration of the nerves. The condition is not typically painful for the dog, but will progress until the dog is no longer able to walk. The gait of dogs affected with degenerative myelopathy can be difficult to distinguish from the gait of dogs with hip dysplasia, arthritis of other joints of the hind limbs, or intervertebral disc disease. Late in the progression of disease, dogs may lose fecal and urinary continence and the forelimbs may be affected. Affected dogs may fully lose the ability to walk 6 months to 2 years after the onset of symptoms. Affected small breed dogs, such as the French bulldog, often progress more slowly than affected large breed dogs and owners may postpone euthanasia until the dog is paraplegic.
Breed-Specific Information for the French Bulldog
The Mutation of the SOD1 gene associated with degenerative myelopathy has been identified in the French bulldog. The overall frequency of this disease in the breed and approximate age of disease onset are currently unreported for the French bulldog. However, in one study of 87 French bulldogs tested, 20.7% were carriers of the mutation and 5.7% were at-risk.
Hereditary Cataracts
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Common Symptoms
Progressive retinal Atrophy, cone-Rod dystrophy 4 (PRA-crd4) is an inherited eye disease affecting dogs. PRA-crd4 occurs as a result of degeneration of both rod and cone type Photoreceptor Cells of the Retina, which are important for vision in dim and bright light, respectively. Affected dogs can show symptoms of vision loss or have signs of retinal disease on veterinary ophthalmologic exam by 3 years of age. However, age of onset varies significantly in PRA-crd4 affected dogs, and has been reported from 1 to 15 years of age. Mutations in the RPGRIP1 gene show Incomplete Penetrance, meaning that not all dogs inheriting two copies of the Mutation develop clinical disease. This suggests that other unknown genetic or environmental factors may play a role in modifying disease development and progression. Although progression tends to be relatively slow, most affected dogs (especially those with an early age of onset) will progress to complete blindness.
Breed-Specific Information for the French Bulldog
The Mutation of the RPGRIP1 gene associated with progressive retinal Atrophy, cone-Rod dystrophy 4 has been identified in French Bulldogs, although its overall frequency in this breed is unknown. It is also unknown if French Bulldogs inheriting two copies of this mutation develop the clinical signs of progressive retinal atrophy, cone-rod dystrophy 4.
MilkDud has also been certified NORMAL through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for Cardiac, Hips, Legg-Calves-Perthes, and Patellas.
Unfortunately, I have had to put the BULLISTIK® watermark on all of the health certifications for each of my Frenchies. I was notified by PAWPRINT genetics that a man named Jason Trice, who apparently sells French Bulldogs, had stolen one of my health certifications from my website, altered it (poorly I might add) to scam his potential puppy buyer into believing the dam of his litter had been health screened. Fortunately, the buyer thought the certificate looked fake and contacted PAWPRINT directly to verify. PAWPRINT informed the puppy buyer that the certification results were factual but the certificate belonged to a French Bulldog owned by Bullistik French Bulldogs, not Jason Trice. There are DISHONEST people selling French Bulldogs, so buyers beware and do your homework.