Hyperuricosuria is characterized by elevated levels of uric acid in the urine and can lead to the formation of bladder/kidney stones.
Mode of Inheritance: autosomal recessive
Hyperuricosuria (HUU) means elevated levels of uric acid in the urine. This trait predisposes dogs to form stones in their bladders or sometimes kidneys. These stones often must be removed surgically and can be difficult to treat. HUU is inherited as a simple autosomal recessive defect. A mutation in exon 5 of the gene Solute carrier family 2, member 9 (SLC2A9) has been found to be associated with hyperuricosuria in dogs.
A DNA test for the SLC2A9 mutation can determine the genetic status of dogs for HUU. Dogs that carry two copies of the mutation will be affected and susceptible to develop bladder/kidney stones. However, the SCL2A9 mutation is not the sole cause of urate bladder stones in dogs. Other factors, in addition to genetic test results, such as liver disease and diet need also be considered in clinical evaluation.
