The OptiGen FN test is a DNA-based test that accurately diagnoses a fatal kidney disease that occurs in English Cocker Spaniels (ECS). The test also detects CARRIERS of this disease and clears dogs that are genetically NORMAL.

Familial Nephropathy (FN) has been referred to in several ways: kidney failure, fatal renal disease, juvenile nephropathy, renal cortical hypoplasia, hereditary nephritis (HN), Autosomal Hereditary Recessive Nephropathy (AHRN) in canines and Alport's Syndrome in humans. Among ECS breeders in the U.S. , the most common reference is to “FN” and this term is used to name the OptiGen test.

Dogs with FN typically develop chronic renal failure between 6 months and 2 years of age, with eventual and sometimes rapid destruction of both kidneys. The early clinical signs are the same as those associated with chronic renal failure due to any other cause. These include excessive water consumption, excessive urine volume, reduced growth rate or weight loss, poor quality hair coat, reduced appetite, and vomiting. Persistent high levels of protein in the urine of a young ECS most often proves to be due to FN.

Because the OptiGen FN test is a mutation-based gene test, it accurately and specifically identifies normal dogs, carriers (heterozygous dogs) and affecteds. Possible test results are listed in the table below. 

• The OptiGen FN test can be done reliably at any age – even in young pups, and the result will be the same at any age, and will be the same whenever it is repeated.
•  The exact frequency of this disease, and of the gene mutation causing it, are not known as yet. Data accumulated through genetic testing will help to provide that information. 
• Tallies of test results are updated and provided quarterly to national breed clubs. 

Breeding Strategies using the FN Test: 

This table highlights all the desirable breedings that include at least one Normal/Clear parent. All other breedings are at high risk of producing Affected pups. However, all Normal and Carrier dogs can be bred safely. It isn't necessary - or even desirable - to remove clinically healthy dogs from the breeding population. But when choosing pups to retain as potential future breeding stock, it is important to select for Normal/Clear dogs and select against Carrier dogs