Dental Hypomineralization (Raine Syndrome)

Overview

Canine dental hypomineralization or Raine Syndrome is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder affecting Border Collies. Mutation of the FAM20C gene results in failure of normal mineralisation of the teeth, due to the lack of a specific protein.

Dental hypomineralization is a canine model for human Raine Syndrome, with which it shares the causative mutation and similar symptoms.

Characteristics and Symptoms

The disorder causes severe tooth wear and a light brown discolouration of the enamel. Excessive tooth wear can result in exposure of the pulp which causes pulpitis, typically seen as intrinsic discolouration of the affected teeth. Onset of symptoms is usually before the dog reaches 2 years old.

Treatment

Treatment of this condition is via extraction of affected teeth. Genetic testing can be undertaken to prevent two carrier dogs being bred.

Possible Test Results :

• Clear
• Carrier
• Affected
• Hereditary Clear
• Hereditary Carrier
• Hereditary Affected