MPS1 for Basset Hounds ONLY
Mucopolysaccharidosis I
MPS1 is a type of lysosomal storage disease, where the lysosomes do not perform their usual function of cleaning out the “garbage” in a cell, but instead the waste is stored. With time, the cell can no longer function, and clinical signs of disease appear.
Basset Hounds with MPS will show growth abnormalities such as joint laxity leading to degenerative joint disease and difficulty walking. Clinical signs become apparent when the dogs are juveniles, but may start before weaning age. Some dogs are incapacitated by the disease while others can grow to be adults. Heart disease, weakness and cataracts may also occur.
Basset Hound breeders should be aware that this condition does occur in the breed, and that this DNA test will allow them to plan matings that will avoid the risk of producing affected puppies. A 2019 survey of a cross-section of the breed found that this mutation is rare in Bassets (allele frequency of 1%), but there were carriers identified. The health policy of the BHCA recommends that dogs to be used for breeding be screened, and breeding choices made with this DNA test result considered.
Explanation of DNA Test Results
Normal – This dog has tested normal (or clear) for the mutation known to cause Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS I) in Basset Hounds. It is not at risk for developing this form of the disease. It can only transmit a normal gene to offspring, and current information indicates that dogs with this result can be bred to a dog with any DNA test result without risk of producing affected offspring.
Carrier – This dog has tested as a carrier for the mutation known to cause Mucopolysaccharidosis in Basset Hounds. There is no evidence at present that these dogs will develop clinical symptoms of MPS. It may transmit either a normal gene or a mutated/affected gene to potential offspring. To avoid risk of producing an affected puppy, these dogs should only be bred to mates which have been DNA-tested normal.
Affected/At-Risk – This dog has 2 mutated copies of the gene known to cause Mucopolysaccharidosis in Basset Hounds and is at risk for developing clinical symptoms of MPS.
Research Available:
Tests are ordered online through the secure area of the OFA website. Payment is accepted by credit card (MasterCard and VISA). The OFA administers all order handling. Upon receipt of an order, the OFA will send out the test kit which will include a Foam-Tipped Applicator card for DNA sample collection, along with sample collection instructions. Using the FTA card technology, owners can safely collect DNA samples at home. The collection process is non-invasive, and no veterinary appointment is necessary.
Samples are then sent to the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine where the samples will be processed by the Small Animal Molecular Genetics Lab. Results will be forwarded to the OFA, and the OFA will issue the resulting report to the owner.
The fee for each test includes the test kit, laboratory processing, and subsequent registration in the OFA databases.