Sometimes, when you get a genetic test done on your French Bulldog, it will flag Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). This will be flagged in all dogs that carry Chondrodystrophy (CDDY). In other words, dogs that are a certain body style (think short legs and longer body) are prone to back problems should they jump, land, or fall the wrong way. This includes breeds such as Dachshunds, Corgis, and, of course, Frenchies. Because CDDY is a body style, all Frenchies are going to carry CDDY, therefore all Frenchies are prone to IVDD.
Just to be clear, CDDY is a body type and IVDD is a disease that can affect dogs with CDDY. IVDD is not genetically verifiable, because it’s not in genetics. Just like humans can’t have small pox in our DNA, dogs don’t have IVDD show up on a genetic test. When a genetic test flags a dog for the potential of IVDD, they are simply saying that the dog has a CDDY body shape, making them vulnerable to IVDD.
IVDD means that one of the discs that act as a cushion between the dog’s vertebrae ruptures and hits the spinal cord causing damage that can range from bruising to causing much worse neurological damage. A vet can help you navigate the situation if this were to happen to your Frenchie. It depends on the severity of the case, but it could mean a time of rest and pain medication for your dog, or it could be as severe as requiring surgery. Two things you can do to try avoiding IVDD is keeping your dog the proper weight and eliminating the need to jump (such as jumping down from the couch).
Embark’s genetic evaluation says, “In breeds where this variant is extremely common, this genetic health result should not be a deciding factor when evaluating a dog for breeding or adoption purposes.”
To summarize:
- CDDY is a body type; IVDD is a possible injury that can occur in CDDY body types
- Not all dogs with CDDY experience IVDD; they are simply more prone to it
- Possibility of IVDD can be diminished by (1) maintaining proper weight, and (2) eliminating certain activities such as jumping
- If your dog seems to be in pain, consult your vet for treatment