Renal cystadenocarcinoma and nodular dermatofibrosis (RCND), is a genetic condition which causes masses in the kidneys and skin that become cancerous. Affected dogs might develop kidney disease or cancer. There is a DNA test available to identity whether a breeding dog is carrying the gene causing this condition.
Mode of Inheritance: autosomal dominant
Renal cystadenocarcinoma and nodular dermatofibrosis (RCND) is an inherited cancer in German Shepherd Dogs. The disease has late onset and is progressive. Affected animals develop multiple firm nodules (dermatofibrosis) in the skin typically by 6 years of age. They also develop bilateral, multifocal tumours (cystadenocarcinoma) in the kidney, although the timing and rate of growth is varied.
RCND in the German Shepherd Dog breed results from a mutation in exon 7 (c.764A>G) of the folliculin (FLCN) gene. The disease is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion, which means that males and females are equally affected and that a single copy of the defective gene will cause disease. Animals with two defective copies have not been identified, suggesting this genotype is incompatible with life.
