Hypophysärer Zwergwuchs
What is HZ?
The abbreviations PD or DW are used in English, but we use the German form HZ to avoid overall confusion.
For wolfdogs, only the pituitary form is relevant; in other breeds, there are also other variants.
It is a genetic disease that stops the growth of the animals prematurely.
What symptoms does HZ show?
Puppies stop growing after about 8-12 weeks, followed by a growth arrest.
The fur becomes dull, the hair falls out in some places.
The skin changes and gets crusty, sebaceous deposits.
What are the consequences of HZ for dog and owner?
The life expectancy of affected dogs is just four to five years.
If a puppy suffering from Pituitary Dwarfism is recognised early, a growth hormone can be used.
This does not cause the body to grow noticeably, but it can prevent changes to the fur and skin.
The owner must always live with the knowledge that their animal will not have a normal lifespan and that the treatments will incur costs.
What dogs have to be tested?
All dogs under EWA must be tested for Pituitary Dwarfism
Exceptions apply if both parents are proven to be Pituitary Dwarfism N/N.
How and when can you test for HZ?
Pituitary Dwarfism is tested by taking a cheek swab or blood sample at the vet.
The vet then sends the sample to Laboklin and receives the result after 1-2 weeks.
Currently, Pituitary Dwarfism can only be tested by Laboklin, not by Embark. (As of December 2024)
What are the possible test results?
N/N – Pituitary Dwarfism clear
N/HZ – healthy carrier
HZ/HZ – affected
How is HZ inherited?
Pituitary Dwarfism is inherited in an autosomal-recessive manner, which means that two carriers can produce affected animals.
Therefore, matings of two N/HZ animals are prohibited.
