Dental Hypomineralization

Clinical signs include brownish dental discoloration and abnormal wear of teeth. As the teeth wear, the biting surfaces of the teeth darkens, become dark brown in color; the enamel layer may also show a light brown discoloration and appear dull. The disorder causes severe tooth wear leading to pulp exposure, chronic inflammation of the pulp, and pulpal necrosis. Histologically, dentin of affected dogs has an abnormal structure and the enamel can be slightly hypoplastic.

Affected dogs require regular dental treatment.

There are many responsibilities to consider when breeding dogs. Regardless of test results it is important that your dog is in good general health and that you are in a position to care for the puppies if new responsible owners are not found. For first time or novice breeders, advice can be found at most kennel club websites.

This disease is autosomal recessive meaning that two copies of the mutation are needed for disease signs to be shown. A carrier dog with one copy of the Dental Hypomineralization mutation can be safely bred with a clear dog with no copies of the Dental Hypomineralization mutation. About half of the puppies will have one copy (carriers) and half will have no copies of the Dental Hypomineralization mutation. A dog with two copies of the Dental Hypomineralization mutation can be safely bred with a clear dog. The resulting puppies will all be carriers. Puppies in a litter which is expected to contain carriers should be tested prior to breeding. Carrier to carrier matings are not advised as the resulting litter may contain affected puppies. Please note: It is possible that disease signs similar to the ones caused by the Dental Hypomineralization mutation could develop due to a different genetic or clinical cause.