Familial thyroid follicular cell carcinoma I & II / FCC (TPO-related) - German Longhaired Pointer

What does this test analyse?

This genetic analysis tests two TPO markers on chromosome 17 in the German Longhaired Pointer. The condition is known as familial thyroid follicular cell carcinoma, FCC, thyroid follicular cell carcinoma, familial thyroid cancer susceptibility or inherited susceptibility to thyroid carcinoma.

Thyroid carcinomas can originate from follicular cells of the thyroid gland. Early in the disease they may cause few visible signs, while later growth can lead to a neck mass, coughing, voice changes, swallowing difficulty, lethargy, hair loss, increased drinking and increased urination. In the German Longhaired Pointer, a familial pattern has been described in which two TPO markers are important for genetic risk assessment.

Practical value of this test

The test is valuable for breeders who want to actively manage genetic susceptibility to FCC in their lines. Testing both markers together helps distinguish dogs free of the tested markers, dogs carrying one copy and dogs with a genotype that strongly increases risk. This supports better mating plans, avoids high-risk combinations and helps preserve healthy valuable lines responsibly.

• Marker I: TPO marker with C>T change.
• Marker II: TPO marker with G>A change.
• The interpretation is most useful when both markers are assessed together within the family line.