A fatal, hereditary kidney disease has been reported in the Bracco Italiano over several generations. Dogs of different ages can be affected, but it most often affects young to middle-aged dogs. Once they start to show symptoms, survival times are generally very poor even with aggressive medical treatment. Amyloidosis has been diagnosed in some dogs, but non-amyloid diseases have also been seen in the same family lines. At this point, we have very little definitive information about the kidney disease in this breed.

The Bracco Italiano Health Foundation and the Bracco Italiano Club Of America previously collaborated with the University of Florida to conduct the first organized research project evaluating kidney disease in the Bracco Italiano. The project director for the 2019-2024 collections was Dr. Ashley Allen-Durrance, Dr. Amanda Inman was the co-investigator. Information obtained in this study may help us to better understand the hereditary kidney disease in the Bracco, which has unfortunately been the cause of death for several young dogs. It is very important that we have samples from as many Bracchi as possible, and from a diverse group of dogs.

The goal of this study was to estimate the prevalence of kidney disease in the breed and the most common lab-work (blood and urine) changes. University of Florida has also collected samples for DNA banking. The long-term goal is to identify DNA markers for the disease which can be used to test dogs prior to breeding. Currently there is no test available to predict if a dog will develop kidney disease.

2019 National Specialty:
Blood and urine samples as well as cheek swabs were collected from 43 dogs at the 2019 BICA National Specialty in Loveland, Colorado.

2021 National Specialty in Pine City, Minnesota:
Blood and urine samples, as well as cheek swabs, were collected from 38 dogs at the 2021 BICA National Specialty in Pine City, Minnesota.

2023 National Specialty in Brainerd, Nebraska:
The Bracco Italiano Health Foundation funded the collection of blood and urine samples as well as cheek swabs for 23 dogs. 14 addition kits were mailed out to Bracchi owners. 8 kits have been returned and all qualified for the GWAS requirements (the benefit of the kits is they are only sent out to dogs that have a high likelihood of qualifying).

Please check back for updates for 2025/2026!
 

For more information about the Bracco Italiano Health Foundation (BIHF), research projects or how to get involved, please contact the Bracco Italiano Health Foundation Secretary Siva Aiken at Siva.aiken@gmail.com