Juvenile Renal Dysplasia (JRD) affects young dogs of several breeds. Affected dogs show increased amount of urination (unconcentrated urine), increased intake of water, vomiting, lethargy, and weight loss, eventually leading to kidney failure between age of 6 weeks and 4 years. A particularly high prevalence in certain breeds, such as Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu and Boxer dogs suggests a genetic predisposition. Our main goal is to identify the mutation responsible for JRD in Boxers, by comparing the genome of affected and healthy Boxer dogs using the new SNP array tool. Once the gene and the mutation that cause JRD have been identified a genetic test can easily be developed for carrier testing. Early identification of carriers and affected dogs will also allow early intervention for the affected dogs, since the clinical signs may not be present unless over 75 percent of kidney is affected. This research may also be applicable to other breeds with JRD.





