Fetal onset neuroaxonal dystrophy (FNAD) is a disorder that disturbs the development of motor neurons in the central nervous system. Scoliosis (abnormal lateral curvature of the spine) and multiple contracted joints (arthrogryposis) are often observed. Arthrogryposis causes affected puppies to have no voluntary movement of limbs. Respiratory deficiencies cause affected puppies to die at birth.

Post-mortem examination to confirm disease. Post-mortem examinations usually reveal abnormally swollen axons throughout the brain stem, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.

There are many responsibilities to consider when breeding dogs. Regardless of test results it is important that your dog is in good general health and that you are in a position to care for the puppies if new responsible owners are not found. For first time or novice breeders, advice can be found at most kennel club websites.

This disease is autosomal recessive meaning that two copies of the mutation are needed for disease signs to occur. A carrier dog with one copy of the FNAD mutation can be safely bred with a clear dog with no copies of the FNAD mutation. About half of the puppies will have one copy (carriers) and half will have no copies of the FNAD mutation. Puppies in a litter which is expected to contain carriers should be tested prior to breeding. Carrier to carrier matings should not be undertaken as resulting litters may containing affected puppies. Please note: It is possible that disease signs similar to the ones caused by the FNAD mutation could develop due to a different genetic or clinical cause.