Renal cystadenocarcinoma and nodular dermatofibrosis / RCND (FLCN-related) - German Shepherd Dog

What does this test examine?

This genetic test examines the FLCN variant c.764A>G in the German Shepherd Dog. The variant is associated with renal cystadenocarcinoma and nodular dermatofibrosis, commonly abbreviated as RCND. The disorder is also described as renal cancer syndrome, nodular dermatofibrosis and kidney disease, or hereditary multifocal renal cystadenocarcinomas with skin nodules.

What does RCND mean?

RCND is an inherited cancer syndrome in which dogs can develop firm skin nodules and cystic or tumour-like lesions in the kidneys. Female dogs may also develop uterine leiomyomas. The condition is progressive and often becomes visible later in life, so genetic information is valuable before clinical signs are obvious.

Practical value of this test

Because the disorder is autosomal dominant, one copy of the tested variant is already important for breeding selection and health planning. The test helps identify risk in a line early, instead of waiting until skin nodules or kidney problems become visible.

• Clarifies whether the dog carries the dominant FLCN variant.
• Supports selection of breeding dogs and planning of combinations in German Shepherd lines.
• Helps owners and veterinarians include genetic predisposition when monitoring skin nodules, kidneys, and family history.
• Enables transparent communication when offspring or related dogs are evaluated.

Result and inheritance

A dog with A/A does not carry the tested variant. A dog with A/G carries one copy of the dominant variant and has genetic predisposition for RCND. A dog with G/G carries two copies of the variant; this is a clearly abnormal result that should be considered very significant within the dominant disease model.