The phrase
"chondrodystrophic breeds" refers to certain types of dog breeds that are genetically prone to a condition known as chondrodystrophy. This condition affects their skeletal system, causing abnormalities in the growth and development of their bones and cartilage.
Full definition
It is most common
in chondrodystrophic breeds such as Dachshunds (most common breed to carry disease), Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Yorkies, Poodle, Bassets, Corgis and basically any breed OR mixture of that breed that has been miniaturized and / or shows signs of dwarfism.
Owners
of chondrodystrophic breeds should take special care not to let their dogs jump from high places, as their large bodies and comparatively short legs are especially prone to musculoskeletal and spinal injuries.
In
most chondrodystrophic breeds it is the thoracolumbar area, the junction of the last few thoracic vertebrae and the first few lumbar vertebrae, that are involved.
Hansen Type I IVDD is an acute hernation of the disk that comes on explosively and typically
affects chondrodystrophic breeds (those with breed - specific and acceptable hereditary skeletal deformities, such as Dachshunds, Shih - Tzus, Beagles, Pekingese, Poodles, Corgies, Bassett Hounds and dogs with similar characteristics of genetic dwarfism).
When the group looked for other breeds that shared the DNA sequence in this region, they found that it was in
the chondrodystrophic breeds such as beagles, dachshunds and spaniels.
Since Beagles are considered to be
a chondrodystrophic breed, these dogs are prone to certain kinds of disk diseases.
This is the first indication, especially in
a chondrodystrophic breed, that medical attention is needed.
Big dogs and breeds other than
Chondrodystrophic breeds can also rupture discs.
Chondrodystrophic breeds (short, crooked legs with a long back) like Dachshunds, Bassets, Beagles, Shih Tzus Lhasa Apso, Pekenese and English Bull dogs to name a few.
Large breed non-chondrodystrophic dogs can get Type I disk disease, and
chondrodystrophic breeds can get Type II disk disease.
The most common cause is the natural degeneration of the disk that occurs in
the chondrodystrophic breeds when young, and the larger breed dogs as they age.
In
Chondrodystrophic breeds, premature calcification of the nucleus pulposus at early age (from birth to 1 year of age) results in degeneration of all discs in young dogs.