Disorder - Achondroplasia

Organ Systems Involved
Musculoskeletal

Alternative Names
Chondrodysplasia
Chondrodsytrophy
Dwarf
Dwarfism

Brief Description

A condition in which bone growth and development is slowed so that bones of the limbs, head and body may be shortened, resulting in a dwarf animal.
Presenting Signs

This disorder involves reduced bone growth and development and causes dwarfism in animals. Dwarf dogs may also have disproportionately short limbs, deformed limbs, or deformed bones of the head and body. Limb deformities often involve bowed forelimbs, while deformities in the bones of the skull may be indicated by constricted nostrils. An affected dog is usually less than half the size of normal mature dogs of the same breed. Achondroplasia may be suspected at fourteen days old if a dog does not gain weight as rapidly as its littermates. At four weeks of age affected dogs may be detected by an X-ray of the front foot. Around eight to twelve weeks of age affected dogs may be beginning to show skeletal deformities such as shortened and bowed forelimbs or abnormally shaped elbow and hip joints. Dogs that display dwarfism but are not deformed, and possess body parts in proportion may live a normal life with few health problems. Dogs displaying greater degree of deformity and a larger number of associated conditions will have a shorter life-span and a decreased quality of life. The most severely affected animals die a few days after birth.
Groups Affected
Hound
Non Sporting
Terrier
Utility
Working dog

Breeds Affected
Alaskan malamute
Basset hound
Dachshund (long, smooth and wire haired)
Dachshund (miniature - long, smooth and wire-haired)
Poodle (Miniature)
Poodle (Toy)
Pyrenean mountain dog
Scottish terrier
Shetland sheepdog

Related Disorders

PubMed References
Achondroplasia

Further Reference Material [OMIA Number]
4
839
189
299
300
301
1296

Contributor
Mick Ruppin

The University of Sydney - Faculty of Veterinary Science

Disorder - Achondroplasia