Variable expression of Boxer JKD
One of the most difficult concepts for breeders to understand is the low incidence of Boxer JKD cases in their litters.
With a recessive mode of inheritance, there is an expectation that 25% of the progeny produced from a carrier x carrier mating will be affected by the disease.
All the evidence suggests that the actual incidence of Boxer JKD is much lower than the expected 25% in a carrier x carrier mating.
Not only is the overall incidence of Boxer JKD lower than expected, the number of cases is quite rare even among the progeny of extensively used males that have sired a confirmed Boxer JKD case.
Sweden has been recording JKD in Boxers for over 15 years. The disease is still barely recognised as being a problem within Boxers in veterinary text books. The lack of awareness of the disease by veterinarians and breeders may be part of the problem. Vets have had no basis for thinking Boxers may be liable to an early onset juvenile kidney disease and therefore do not immediately think of this disease during diagnosis. This situation is beginning to change and there is a notable shift in awareness of the disease.
Pet insurance companies are now recognising and reporting an elevated risk of kidney problems within Boxers.
