COVENANT KEES
HYPERPARATHYROID
Recently, there has been a break through in the genetic study of Primary Hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) at Cornell University and a test has just now become available that identifies a gene associated with PHPT. PHPT is now known to be a genetic disease in Keeshonden which are approximately 50 times more likely to be diagnosed with this disease than the average breed.
The parathyroid glands are next to the thyroid gland but are distinct from the thyroid gland. Thus parathyroid diseases are not connected to thyroid diseases such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. The parathyroid hormone is an important factor in maintaining normal calcium concentrations and functioning.
PHPT is considered an “old dog” disease affecting middle aged to older dogs with an average age of 10.5 years, but it has developed in younger dogs. The disease affects older Keeshonden with what is known as "age dependent penetrance." This means that the test does not identify the clinical disease at the time of testing; it only indicates the presence of the defective gene, or the genetic potential to develop the disease later in life. Not all Keeshonden that have the gene will be affected by the disease, but most will. There have been dogs that tested positive for the gene but never developed the disease. The study of this disease is ongoing and at this time it is not known if there may be a trigger such as vaccines or another factor that causes the onset of PHPT.
The good news is that this disease is treatable if found early! The newly available test will allow you to know if your Keeshond has the gene associated with PHPT. If your dog does, it will allow you to monitor your dog properly as he or she ages with simple blood panels. PHPT is fatal if not caught in time, so this new test is a valuable tool we can use to peek into our dog’s future. Without this test there are no early warning signs and it may be too late by the time the dog is actually diagnosed.
We recommend that you have your Keesie tested for this gene. Any age dog can be tested, but it is important to have dogs over 6 years of age tested. For more information for you and your vet and how to submit the blood for the test please visit Dr Goldstein's web site at http://www.vet.cornell.edu/labs/goldstein/ or call Goldstein Molecular and Genetics Laboratory at 607-253-4480 or email the lab at phpt@cornell.edu .
New Break through in the Study of PHPT in Keeshonden!
"For God So loved the world, He gave His only Son, that who ever believes in Him, will not perish, come to destruction, but have everlasting life! God did not send His Son to destroy the world, but that through Him the world might be saved."
John 3:16
Cornell University PHPT
