Greyhound Neuropathy Testing: Essential Guide for Breeders

Greyhound neuropathy (GN), also known as polyneuropathy, is a hereditary neurological disorder affecting only Greyhounds and mixed-breed dogs with Greyhound ancestry. This genetic condition typically emerges in puppies between three and nine months old and has serious consequences for affected dogs.

Dogs with GN often exhibit muscle weakness, exercise intolerance, and a distinct “bunny-hopping” gait. As the disease progresses rapidly, puppies may experience muscle atrophy, loss of movement control, and vocal changes that affect their ability to bark. Sadly, most affected dogs do not survive beyond their first year due to the severity of symptoms and lack of a cure.

The Greyhound breed community, including The Kennel Club and British Veterinary Association, strongly recommend genetic testing for breeding stock. This testing helps identify carriers and affected individuals to inform responsible breeding choices and reduce the propagation of GN.

More About Greyhound Neuropathy

Greyhound neuropathy results from a mutation in the NDRG1 gene. Studies suggest that about 25% of Greyhounds may carry this mutation, although prevalence varies between show and racing lines. Because the disease is inherited rather than contagious, GN is passed down solely through breeding lines.

Early signs of GN can appear as young as twelve weeks old. Symptoms worsen with time, leading to difficulties with breathing, muscle wastage, and eventually a decline in quality of life that often necessitates humane euthanasia to prevent suffering.

Which Dogs Are Affected?

GN exclusively affects Greyhounds, but crossbred dogs with Greyhound ancestors may also inherit the condition. Affected pups usually show symptoms well before a year old and rarely survive past that age due to the progressive nature of the disease.

Importantly, dogs can be carriers of the mutated gene without showing symptoms themselves. This means they can pass on the condition without being visibly affected, highlighting the vital role of genetic testing in breeding decisions.

Understanding the Genetics of Greyhound Neuropathy

Greyhound neuropathy is an autosomal recessive disorder. This means a dog must inherit two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) to develop the disease. The combinations of parental genetics determine the likelihood of offspring being affected or carrier:

• If neither parent is a carrier or affected, offspring will be clear of the mutation.
• If one parent is a carrier and the other is clear, half the litter will be carriers and half will be clear.
• If one parent is affected and the other is clear, all offspring will be carriers.
• If both parents are carriers, 25% of the litter may be affected, 50% carriers, and 25% clear.
• If one parent is affected and the other carrier, half of the litter will be affected and half carriers.
• If both parents are affected, all offspring will be affected.

How to Get Your Dog Tested

Testing breeding Greyhounds for GN markers is crucial to making informed decisions that protect the breed’s health.

Testing involves a DNA screening, usually conducted from a cheek swab or blood sample taken by a vet. The sample is sent to an approved laboratory for analysis, and results typically return within one to three weeks.

The Kennel Club provides individual testing kits that include prepaid sample return envelopes. Other private labs like Genimal Biotechnologies offer rapid and highly accurate testing results within a few business days. Veterinary diagnostic services such as Laboklin also provide testing with genetic counselling for breeders.

To locate a laboratory offering GN testing, breeders can visit the Kennel Club’s official website or trusted veterinary services.

Why Testing Matters for Responsible Breeding

Because Greyhound neuropathy severely impacts puppies' lives, breeding decisions must prioritise health. Avoiding the mating of two carriers is vital to prevent affected puppies.

Testing lets breeders identify:

• Clear dogs: No mutation and safe to breed.
• Carriers: One copy of the mutation, unlikely to develop symptoms but can pass mutation to offspring.
• Affected dogs: Two copies of the mutation and likely to develop the disease.

Responsible breeders should pair carriers only with clear dogs to avoid producing affected puppies, and ideally aim to breed clear stock to gradually reduce mutation frequency in the gene pool.

Summary of Genotypes and Breeding Implications

Conclusion

Greyhound neuropathy is a serious hereditary condition that impacts puppies within their first year of life. Because there is no cure, prevention through responsible breeding is essential. Genetic testing provides a reliable means to identify carriers and affected dogs, enabling breeders to make informed decisions that protect the health of this noble breed.

Breeders and owners should prioritise testing breeding stock via approved laboratories using vet-collected samples to ensure the legacy of happy, healthy Greyhounds for the future.