There is not complete agreement on the mode of inheritance. Because of the increased incidence of cancer in retained testicles, cryptorchid dogs should always be neutered. A neutered cryptorchid dog should have no other expected health risks due to this condition. Also known as Krabbe's disease. It is a degenerative disease of the white matter of the brain and spinal cord.
Affected puppies die at a very early age or have to be euthanized.
Mode of inheritance is by a single autosomal recessively passed gene. There is now a test available that can identify carriers of this disease. Breeders can use this test to eliminate GCL in Cairns. A variety of heart defects can occur in every breed of pure-bred dogs. A careful examination of puppies by a veterinarian at 6 weeks of age is recommended since most congenital heart problems can be detected this way.