Postoperative Haemorrhage Disorder DNA Testing for Greater Swiss Dogs

The Greater Swiss mountain dog is a large and intelligent working breed recognised by the Kennel Club. Although not very common in the UK, this loyal and high-energy dog requires understanding owners due to its specific needs and potential hereditary health issues.

One serious inherited condition affecting some dogs of this breed is postoperative haemorrhage disorder (P2Y12/P2RY12), a genetic bleeding disorder that impacts the blood’s ability to clot properly. This article will help you understand this condition, its inheritance, symptoms, and the importance of DNA testing for responsible ownership and breeding.

What is postoperative haemorrhage disorder (P2Y12/P2RY12)?

Postoperative haemorrhage disorder is caused by a mutation in the P2RY12 gene, which plays a crucial role in platelet function. Platelets enable blood to clot at wounds, preventing excessive bleeding. With this disorder, affected Greater Swiss mountain dogs have defective platelet receptors, leading to impaired clotting.

Dogs with this condition typically appear healthy until they sustain an injury or undergo surgery, when they may experience excessive and potentially life-threatening bleeding. Minor injuries or spontaneous bleeding episodes such as nosebleeds or bleeding during teething can also occur.

This disorder is especially dangerous during surgical procedures because bleeding is difficult to control, which is why it is called postoperative haemorrhage disorder.

How is the disorder inherited in Greater Swiss mountain dogs?

The postoperative haemorrhage disorder linked to the P2RY12 gene is inherited through an autosomal recessive pattern. This means a dog must inherit two copies of the mutated gene—one from each parent—to be affected. Dogs inheriting only one copy are carriers and usually show no symptoms but can pass the gene to their offspring.

If two carriers are bred together, there is a 25% chance their puppies will be affected, a 50% chance to be carriers, and 25% chance to be clear. This highlights the importance of genetic testing in breeding programs to avoid producing affected puppies.

Why DNA testing is essential for Greater Swiss mountain dogs

Since affected dogs can appear clinically normal until bleeding occurs, it is impossible to identify dogs with this disorder without testing. DNA testing allows owners and breeders to determine if a dog is clear, a carrier, or affected.

Testing breeding dogs can effectively prevent the spread of this dangerous disorder by ensuring that carriers are not bred together.

How to get your Greater Swiss mountain dog DNA tested in the UK

To have your Greater Swiss mountain dog tested for postoperative haemorrhage disorder (P2Y12/P2RY12), consult your vet. The test usually involves taking a buccal (cheek) swab, a safe and non-invasive method preferred for dogs with bleeding risks. Blood samples can also be used but carry a slight risk of bleeding complications.

Labs such as Laboklin UK and others offer this genetic test. Through your vet, sample collection and lab submission are managed efficiently, with results typically available within 1-2 weeks.

If breeding, it is vital to test both dogs to minimise the risk of affected pups.

Responsible breeding and management

Responsible breeders in the UK routinely test for inherited conditions like postoperative haemorrhage disorder. Avoiding carrier-to-carrier matings helps reduce the condition’s prevalence in the breed over time.

For affected dogs, knowing their status allows owners and vets to take precautions during surgeries or injuries, including availability of blood products and specialised care to prevent severe bleeding episodes.

Conclusion

Postoperative haemorrhage disorder (P2Y12/P2RY12) is a serious inherited bleeding disorder affecting the Greater Swiss mountain dog. Understanding its autosomal recessive inheritance and using DNA testing is crucial for breeders and owners to ensure the health and safety of these majestic dogs.

If you own or plan to breed a Greater Swiss mountain dog, DNA testing for this disorder is a responsible and essential step. Early detection protects your dog’s well-being and helps maintain the breed’s overall health.