Little Darlings

Health Tests

Little Darlings conducts 11 additional tests available for the Cavoodle.

Canine Elliptocytosis

Genetic Test

Canine Elliptocytosis is a rare genetic disease causing the red blood cells to be abnormally elliptical in shape, rather than round. It generally does not cause a clinical problem to affected dogs, but puppies may be mildly anaemic and smaller than others. There is a DNA test available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this disease.

Congenital Macrothrombocytopenia (CM)

Genetic Test

Congenital Macrothrombocytopenia (CM) is a mild disease which normally does not have any impact on an affected dog’s health or lifespan but can cause concern if noticed on routine bloodwork without knowing the cause. It is a blood disease resulting in low numbers of very large platelets. There is a DNA test available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this condition.

Curly Coat

Genetic Test

This is a genetic condition affecting Cavalier King Charles Spaniels that causes severe skin, nail and eye issues, as well as making the usually long smooth coat tight and curly. Curly Coat is linked to Congenital Dry Eye disease. There is a DNA test available to identify if breeding Cavaliers are carrying Congenital Dry Eye or Curly Coat.

Curly Coat Dry Eye Syndrome

Genetic Test

Curly Coat Dry Eye Syndrome is a genetic cause of eye and skin problems in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies. The disease also caused an unsually tight curly coat texture. There is a DNA test available to identify if breeding Cavaliers are carrying the gene for Curly Coat Dry Eye Syndrome.

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

Genetic Test

This is a disease affecting the spinal cord of older dogs, initially causing wobbliness and eventually hindlimb paralysis. It can affect a wide range of breeds. There is now a DNA test that can indicated if a breeding dog is carrying this disease.

Episodic Falling Syndrome

Genetic Test

This is a genetic neurological condition affecting Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. It causes sudden stiffening of the legs, often causing the dog to fall over and be unable to move. There is a DNA test available to indicate if a breeding dog is carrying this disease. The test is also recommended in Cavoodles.

MPS

Genetic Test

Mucopolysaccharidosis is a genetic lysosomal storage disease that can cause various problems including stunted growth and bone deformities. There are a few different variants of this disease that have been identified in different breeds. For many breeds there are DNA tests available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying the condition.

Neonatal Encephalopathy

Genetic Test

Neonatal Encephalopathy (NE) is a brain disease that can occur in Standard Poodle puppies. There is a DNA test available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this condition.

PK Deficiency

Genetic Test

Prekallikrein (PK) deficiency is a rare inherited clotting disorder mainly affecting Shih Tzus and similar breeds. There is a DNA test available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this condition.

PRA

Genetic Test

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) in dogs is a type of genetic eye disease causing deterioration of the retina and eventually, blindness. There are a variety of sub-types of PRA, which can occur in various breeds. There are various DNA tests available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this condition.

VWD

Genetic Test

Von Willebrand’s Disease (VWD/vWD) is a genetic bleeding disorder caused by a lack of a specific clotting factor. There are three forms of the disease, types 1, 2 & 3. A DNA test is available for each type of VWD to identify whether a breeding dog is a carrier or might be affected. The severity of VWD varies widely between breeds and individuals, ranging from life threatening, through to having no impact on clotting ability.