Narcolepsy / cataplexy 3 (HCRTR2-related) - Labrador Retriever

What does this test examine?

This genetic test analyses the HCRTR2 variant c.1105+5G>A in the Labrador Retriever. The condition is known as narcolepsy, familial narcolepsy, narcolepsy with cataplexy or a sleep-wake disorder.

What does this condition mean?

Affected dogs can suddenly lose muscle control, collapse or show brief sleep episodes. Attacks are often triggered by food, play or excitement. For breeders this matters because carriers can look healthy while still passing the variant to offspring.

Inheritance and result

The trait is autosomal recessive. A dog without the variant is clear, a dog with one copy is a carrier and a dog with two copies is genetically affected for this HCRTR2-related form of narcolepsy.

Practical value of this test

• The result shows whether the dog is clear, carrier or genetically affected for the tested variant.
• Breeders can identify carriers and avoid matings that may produce affected puppies.
• In young or future breeding animals, the test gives early certainty before clinical signs or mating decisions become relevant.
• The test supports responsible line management without unnecessarily excluding valuable carriers.