Familial Enamel Hypoplasia in Italian Greyhounds: Causes & Care

The Italian greyhound is a small, elegant dog breed classified in the Kennel Club’s toy group. Resembling a miniature greyhound, it is cherished for its affectionate nature and relatively manageable exercise needs despite its swift, playful spirit.

If you’re drawn to sighthounds but prefer a smaller companion or seek a loving and fairly calm toy dog, the Italian greyhound puppies are a wonderful choice. This breed often enjoys good health and longevity, but like many purebreds, it can be prone to certain hereditary conditions.

One such condition affecting some Italian greyhounds is familial enamel hypoplasia, also known as amelogenesis imperfecta. This dental disorder impacts the formation of tooth enamel and leads to defects that typically appear early in a dog’s life.

What is familial enamel hypoplasia or amelogenesis imperfecta?

Familial enamel hypoplasia is a genetic enamel disorder caused by a mutation in the ENAM gene responsible for producing enamelin, a crucial protein involved in enamel formation. The mutation disrupts normal tooth enamel development, with affected dogs producing thin, fragile, and often misshapen teeth.

Affected Italian greyhounds may have teeth that appear unusually small, pointed, or rough, with brown or grey mottling, and gaps between teeth that tend to widen with age as enamel deteriorates. This can affect both baby and adult teeth.

Fortunately, despite these enamel abnormalities, the risk of cavities or tooth fractures is not markedly increased, and the underlying tooth structure remains intact. However, owners should be vigilant about oral care to maintain comfort and health as the dog ages.

How is familial enamel hypoplasia inherited in Italian greyhounds?

This condition follows an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. This means that a dog must inherit two copies of the mutated gene — one from each parent — to be affected. Dogs with only one copy are carriers; they show no symptoms but can pass the mutation to their offspring.

• If both parents are clear (have no copies of the mutation), their puppies will be free from the condition.
• If both parents are affected, all puppies will be affected as well.
• If both parents are carriers, each puppy has a 25% chance of being affected, 50% chance of being a carrier, and 25% chance of being clear.
• If one parent is affected and the other is clear, all puppies will be carriers.
• If one parent is affected and the other is a carrier, each puppy has a 50% chance of being affected and 50% chance of being a carrier.
• If one parent is clear and the other is a carrier, puppies may be carriers or clear but none will be affected.

DNA testing for prevention and responsible breeding

Preventing familial enamel hypoplasia is primarily achieved through DNA testing to identify the genetic status of breeding dogs. This allows breeders to avoid mating two carriers or affected individuals, significantly reducing the risk of producing affected puppies.

Testing is especially important when importing dogs or using stud services from abroad, as the mutation prevalence varies by region. UK breeders typically use approved veterinary genetic laboratories for testing, where a simple DNA sample from the dog is analysed.

Breeders and owners can then make informed decisions on pairing and manage the health of affected dogs with regular veterinary dental care.

Living with and managing affected dogs

There is currently no treatment to reverse the enamel defects caused by familial enamel hypoplasia. However, dental health can be managed effectively through regular check-ups, appropriate dental hygiene, and preventative care to avoid secondary issues.

Owners should monitor for signs of discomfort or difficulty eating and consult their vet for tailored dental care advice. Early detection and ongoing management greatly contribute to the quality of life for affected Italian greyhounds.

Summary and responsible ownership

Familial enamel hypoplasia, or amelogenesis imperfecta, in Italian greyhounds is a recognised genetic condition affecting tooth enamel. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner and identifiable by DNA testing.

Responsible breeding practices including genetic screening and careful mating choices are the cornerstone of reducing disease prevalence. For owners, regular dental care is essential to maintain oral health in affected dogs.

Considering an Italian greyhound? Make sure to seek out reputable breeders who provide health testing and can advise about familial enamel hypoplasia to help you welcome a healthy, happy companion into your family.