Pituitary dwarfism(PD)
Also known as: Hypophysärer Zwergwuchs · Congenital Growth Hormone Deficiency · Panhypopituitarismus · Hypophysäre Insuffizienz · Growth Hormone Deficiency · …
Overview
What it is
This is a congenital metabolic disorder where the pituitary gland, a small hormone-producing gland at the base of the brain, fails to develop properly. As a result, the body cannot produce enough growth hormone and other essential hormones. This lack of hormones severely impacts the dog's overall development and organ function.
How it presents
Owners typically notice symptoms between 8 and 12 weeks of age, starting with stunted growth and the retention of a soft, woolly puppy coat. Over time, the dog may develop symmetrical hair loss, skin infections, and a general lack of energy.
Treatment
The condition is incurable and requires lifelong hormone replacement therapy and regular veterinary monitoring. This lifelong management is highly specialized, with estimated costs ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 EUR.
How it's tested
Hypophysärer Zwergwuchs (PD) DNA-Test(PD)
Primary testDNA testEin molekularbiologischer DNA-Test zum Nachweis der Mutation im LHX3-Gen, die den hypophysären Zwergwuchs verursacht.
Issuing body: Labogen
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Hypophysärer Zwergwuchs DNA-Test(LHX3)
Primary testDNA testDer DNA-Test identifiziert die Mutation im LHX3-Gen, welche für den autosomal-rezessiv vererbten hypophysären Zwergwuchs verantwortlich ist.
Issuing body: Labogen
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Röntgenuntersuchung der Gelenke(Röntgen)
Primary testRadiographDie Röntgenuntersuchung der Gelenke ermöglicht es, degenerative Veränderungen wie Osteophyten, Gelenkspaltverschmälerungen und Sklerosierung des Knochens sichtbar zu machen.
Issuing body: vet
Result scheme: OFA-Hip
LHX3-DNA-Test (Hypophysärer Zwergwuchs)(CPHD)
Primary testDNA testEin DNA-Test zum Nachweis der Mutation im LHX3-Gen, die für den kombinierten hypophysären Zwergwuchs verantwortlich ist.
Issuing body: other
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Affected breeds
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Pituitary dwarfism?
This is a congenital metabolic disorder where the pituitary gland, a small hormone-producing gland at the base of the brain, fails to develop properly. As a result, the body cannot produce enough growth hormone and other essential hormones. This lack of hormones severely impacts the dog's overall development and organ function.
How is Pituitary dwarfism tested?
Tests currently in our database: Hypophysärer Zwergwuchs (PD) DNA-Test, Hypophysärer Zwergwuchs DNA-Test, Röntgenuntersuchung der Gelenke, LHX3-DNA-Test (Hypophysärer Zwergwuchs).
Which breeds are most affected?
Most commonly affected: Canadian Shepherd, White Swiss Shepherd Dog, Short-haired Weimaraner, Weimaraner.



