Canine Elliptocytosis

You should not notice any signs at home from this disorder.

Affected dogs are born with this condition, and the irregular shape may be seen whenever a blood smear is examined by your veterinarian.

Examining a blood smear will determine if elliptocytes are present.

Elliptocytes can rupture more easily than normally shaped red blood cells. Though this does not normally cause problems in affected dogs, the risk of red blood cell rupture could become more severe if affected dogs have concurrent conditions that compromise cardiovascular health.

Talk to your vet about your dog’s canine elliptocytosis result, as it may influence how they interpret bloodwork or monitor your dog’s red blood cell counts.

Many dogs with this result never show symptoms or develop health problems related to this variant.

This disorder was first described in a mixed breed dog. It is most common in Labrador Retrievers and Chow Chows.

Penetrance: Canine Elliptocytosis is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, meaning that one or two copies of the mutation will cause an abnormal RBC shape.

Gene

SPTB Exon 30

Inheritance type

dominant

Clinical category

Hematologic

Citations

1. Di Terlizzi et al 2009

• English Labrador Retriever
• Labrador Retriever