What are the signs & symptoms that develop in affected dogs?

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

How do vets diagnose this condition?

Examining a blood smear will determine if elliptocytes are present.

How is this condition treated?

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.

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Canine Elliptocytosis

Blood

A benign disease that affects red blood cell (RBC) shape, elliptocytosis affected dogs have elongated, oval or elliptical red blood cells instead of the normal round, "biconcave" shape.

Signs and symptoms

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.

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Diagnosis
Treatment

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.
What to do if your dog is at risk

Actions
- Currently, there is nothing you can do at home to treat this condition.
Genetic Information

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

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 names:

SPTB Exon 30 ‐ chr

Inheritance type:

dominant

Citations:

Di Terlizzi et al 2009
Breeds affected
This health condition affects the following breeds
- Labrador Retriever

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What our DNA kits test for:

Canine Elliptocytosis

Signs and symptoms

Uncover health risks with Embark

Embark Breed + Health Test

Embark for Breeders dog DNA test kits

Diagnosis

Treatment

What to do if your dog is at risk

Actions

Genetic Information

Gene names:

Inheritance type:

Citations:

Breeds affected

Labrador Retriever

Learn about your dog’s unique genetic health

Dog owners

Breeding programs

Purebred Kit

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Purebred Kit

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Breed + Health Kit

Purebred Kit

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Breed + Health Kit

Purebred Kit

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Breed + Health Kit

Purebred Kit

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