Some PWDs carry a mutation causing Chondrodystrophy (CDDY). Presence of this mutation results in premature aging of a dog's intervertebral discs as well as phenotypic changes such as shortened legs. CDDY can be identified with a simple cheek swab for DNA. The PWDCA is hoping to quantify the presence of CDDY in our breed and later study the effects it may have on the health of our dogs.

Please consider testing your dog to support this important endeavor. The lab will send you the swabs and results will come back in a few weeks. This link will take you to the page to order your testing:

 https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/tests?field_species_target_id=191

One of the primary researchers of the CDDY mutation, Dr. Dannika Bannasch, will be addressing our club in a future webinar and will discuss the test results, the significance CDDY in our dogs, and answer our many questions on this rapidly evolving science. Details of this seminar will be available soon.

On behalf of the Orthopedic Committee

Over the past several months there has been, appropriately, a great deal of conversation among PWD breeders, owners and exhibitors regarding intervertebral disc disease/disc herniation and the associated CDDY genotype in PWDs. Through the PWDCA's efforts with research groups such as UC Davis, we are learning more about this abnormality each day. The following provides a brief synopsis of up- to-date findings in layman vs. scientific terms. As the number of PWDs tested for CDDY increases and we learn yet more, please expect additional updates. And, don't be surprised if findings and interpretations change over time given the widening database and associated research.

In summary, here is what we know so far:

• A small but important number of PWDs have been diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and/or disc herniation.

• IVDD is related to chondrodystrophy (CDDY), which is present in many breeds beyond PWDs.

• There exists a simple test to determine the presence of the CDDY genotype, offered by UC Davis and other providers.

• The PWDCA strongly encourages PWD owners to have their dogs tested and accordingly has partnered with UC Davis to offer, on a limited basis, the CDDY test for $33 vs. the normal $55.

• As of this week, UC Davis has processed approximately 100 PWD CDDY tests.

• UC Davis will, in the near future, begin providing the PWDCA with high level statistical test data, without referencing individual dogs/breeders.

• The mode of inheritance for the CDDY genotype appears to be as follows:

1. Dogs with test results of N/N are not predicted to have leg shortening, and are not at increased risk for intervertebral disc disease nor disc herniation. When bred with other N/N dogs, they cannot transmit CDDY to their offspring.
2. Dogs with test results of N/CDDY are predicted to have leg shortening (compared to N/N dogs), intervertebral disc disease, and are at risk for intervertebral disc herniation. They will, on average, transmit CDDY to 50% of their offspring. Matings between N/CDDY and N/N dogs are predicted to produce 50% shorter-legged puppies at risk for intervertebral disc disease and disc herniation.
3. Dogs with test results of CDDY/CDDY are predicted to have leg shortening (compared to N/N dogs), intervertebral disc disease, and are at risk for intervertebral disc herniation. If a CDDY/CDDY dog is bred, it is predicted that all puppies in the litter will have shorter legs, intervertebral disc disease, and all at risk for intervertebral disc herniation, regardless of the mate's testing results. 

Given the PWDCA's partnership with UC Davis and the participation of many of you, there is fast developing progress on this topic, so please be on the lookout for additional updates. 

Order test here: https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/test/cddy-cdpa

Code:  PWDVGL2022 

Questions: drcwinchell@gmail.com

Chondrodystrophy (CDDY) is a condition in which the intervertebral discs prematurely calcify and are prone to rupture. This abnormality has been identified in the Portuguese Water Dog. CDDY Is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. In an effort to quantitate and characterize this genetic issue in the Portuguese water dog, the PWDCA is offering to subsidize testing through the University of California Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory. Please consider participation in this discounted testing program for the future of our breed.

·         The first 300 people to submit samples and use the coupon code PWDVGL2022 will be able to purchase the test for only $33.

·         The cost would normally be $55

·         The PWDCA will cover $22 of the cost

·         The results will be shared with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

·         The discount is only available for tests on Portuguese Water Dogs.

·         Each household can test up to two (2) animals under the discount.

·         The link to access the CDDY test at UC Davis is https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/test/cddy-cdpa

·         The test you should select is “Chondrodystrophy (CDDY and IVDD Risk) and Chondrodysplasia (CDPA)”

·         Once the UC DAVIS VGL receives the tests, results are usually available in 15 business days.

Data from this testing will be used to establish the prevalence of CDDY within the PWD population and to facilitate further studies to determine the significance of this mutation in the clinical health of our dogs