{"id":11123,"date":"2018-08-21T18:07:59","date_gmt":"2018-08-21T18:07:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/labgenvet.ca\/en\/?page_id=11123"},"modified":"2023-07-12T01:29:40","modified_gmt":"2023-07-12T01:29:40","slug":"dog-genetics-3-0-simple-genetic-diseases","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/labgenvet.ca\/en\/dog-genetics-3-0-simple-genetic-diseases\/","title":{"rendered":"Dog Genetics 3.0: Simple Genetic Diseases"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Dog Genetics 3.0: Simple Genetic Diseases<\/h1>\n

\"\"<\/a>The prevalence of genetic diseases in our dogs is a recognized and long-standing problem, and the problem is twofold.\u00a0 First and obviously, we have dogs that are sick because of a genetic disease.\u00a0 Secondly and more insidiously, we have dogs that are perfectly healthy but who are carriers for the disease-causing mutation.<\/p>\n

These carrier animals can give us sick animals in future generations.\u00a0 We can identify the sick animals relatively easily but identifying carrier animals is much more of a challenge.\u00a0 And if we want to eliminate genetic diseases from our dog breeds, we have to be able to identify the carrier animals.<\/p>\n

Old Mutations and Recent Mutations<\/h3>\n

Currently there are over 200 genetic diseases described in dogs for \"\"<\/a>which the gene and the disease-causing mutation have been identified. For many mutations, the genetic disease is restricted to one breed; these tend to be recent mutations, occurring after the breed was established (generally in the last 100 to 150 years).<\/p>\n

Some mutations can even be restricted to a particular line or pedigree within a breed.\u00a0 Other mutations are more widespread, causing a disease that is found in many breeds.\u00a0 These mutations tend to be older mutations, having occurred before or at the beginning of the establishment of the modern breed structure of dogs.<\/p>\n

An example of a recent mutation would be the PRA-type-1 mutation seen in Papillons but not in other dog breeds.\u00a0 An example of a somewhat older mutation would be that for Multi-Drug Resistance (MDR1), which is found in Collie-type breeds.\u00a0 An example of a mutation with a widespread breed distribution is the one for Degenerative Myelopathy, which is found in over 180 breeds.<\/p>\n

The concepts of basic genetics are presented in Dog Genetics 1.0: The Basics<\/a>.
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(N)ormal and (M)utated<\/h4>\n

Several definitions are now required to help us with our understanding of genetic diseases in dogs.\u00a0 Let\u2019s use the letter N <\/strong>to describe the normal, natural, or \u201cwild-type\u201d version of a gene, and the letter M <\/strong>to describe the mutated version of the gene.\u00a0 Since we have two copies of all of our genes (one from our mother, one from our father), this gives us the following possibilities:<\/p>\n

N\/N<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 homozygote normal (\u201cwild-type\u201d, \u201cclear\u201d, does not contain the mutation)<\/p>\n

M\/N<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 heterozygote (carrier, single mutant, one copy of the mutation)
\nM\/M<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 homozygote mutated (double mutant, two copies of the mutation)
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Dominant and Recessive<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/a>Now we can make some useful generalizations about genetic diseases in dogs.\u00a0 Many (but not all) genetic diseases in the dog involve one gene and one mutation.\u00a0 These diseases are said to follow simple <\/strong>or mendelian genetics<\/strong>.\u00a0 Many (but not all) genetic diseases in dogs are caused by autosomal recessive mutations<\/strong>.\u00a0 An autosomal <\/strong>mutation is not linked to the sex chromosomes of the animal, such that an autosomal genetic disease will affect both males and females equally.<\/p>\n

Dominant<\/strong> and recessive<\/strong> are terms we can use to describe genetic mutations, traits or diseases; they are like the two sides of the same genetic coin.\u00a0 A dominant genetic trait or disease always reveals itself, while a recessive genetic trait or disease is one that is hidden or masked by the dominant version of DNA, and only reveals itself in the absence of the dominant version of DNA. \u00a0The dominant version of DNA is usually (but not always) the normal, non-mutated or wild-type version.<\/p>\n

Dominant Genetic Diseases<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/a>Simple genetic diseases that are dominant or recessive present themselves differently within a population, a pedigree or a litter.\u00a0 Mutations for dominant genetic diseases<\/strong> are honest: what you see is what you get.<\/p>\n

Dominant genetic diseases affect (on average) half the puppies in a litter or dogs within a pedigree.\u00a0 Generally, the affected animal has one copy of the mutation in question and is in fact also the carrier animal (M\/N).\u00a0 One or the other of the parents of an affected animal will also be affected.\u00a0 Dominant diseases will be present in each generation.<\/p>\n

An example pedigree for a dominant genetic disease<\/h3>\n

Pedigree of a dominant genetic disease: Phenotype (what we see)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Pedigree of the dominant genetic disease above: Genotype (the honest genetics behind what we see)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Recessive Genetic Diseases<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/a>Mutations for recessive genetic diseases<\/strong> are not completely honest, such that you do not always see what you are getting.\u00a0 Recessive diseases will affect only a few puppies in a litter or a few dogs in a pedigree.\u00a0 Neither of the parents are affected, although both parents are (by definition) carriers for the mutation in question.<\/p>\n

Recessive diseases will skip generations.\u00a0 Carrier animals (M\/N) are said to be silent<\/strong>: they are healthy and cannot be distinguished from clear animals (N\/N).\u00a0 Only the double mutant animals (M\/M) are at risk of having the disease.\u00a0 Recessive diseases are difficult to eliminate from a population without the help of a DNA test to identify the silent carrier animals.<\/p>\n

An example pedigree for a recessive genetic disease<\/h3>\n

Pedigree of a recessive genetic disease: Phenotype (what we see)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Pedigree of the recessive genetic disease above: Genotype (the not so honest genetics and what we don\u2019t see)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\"\"<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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The Genetic \u201cGrey Zone\u201d<\/h3>\n

It is worth keeping in mind that recessive and dominant are our simplified \u201cblack and white\u201d classifications of genetic situations that can in fact involve nuances of grey.\u00a0 Recessive and dominant are like two sizes of hats, large and small, that are expected to fit all sizes of heads.\u00a0 For some genetic diseases, the hats fit, while for other genetic diseases the hats don\u2019t fit very well.\u00a0 We start talking about a dominant or recessive disease that displays \u201cvariable penetrance<\/strong>\u201d.\u00a0 That\u2019s the genetic grey zone.\u00a0 But recessive and dominant classifications are still useful first approximations, so we will keep using these terms.<\/p>\n

Then there is the environment.\u00a0 If all puppies in a litter are affected by a disease, it is highly unlikely to be genetic in origin, but rather an environmental problem, an infectious disease, or a toxicity.\u00a0 And just to complicate things, the environment can and does influence how a genetic disease presents itself.<\/p>\n

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Developmental vs Degenerative Genetic Diseases<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/a>Genetic diseases can also be classified in terms of when they affect the animal.\u00a0 Developmental <\/strong>genetic diseases are often apparent soon after birth or in the young puppy.\u00a0 Degenerative<\/strong> genetic diseases affect the adult animal, either young adult or older animal.<\/p>\n

Genetic diseases that are apparent before the animal is of reproductive age are easier to control and eliminate from a breed because affected animals will not be used for reproduction.\u00a0 Genetic diseases that affect animals later in life, after the reproductive years, are much more difficult to control and eliminate since the bad genetics has often already been passed on to the next generation before the disease becomes apparent.<\/p>\n

Genetic diseases can cause symptoms with a range of severity in the dog, from mild and controllable with medical treatment to severe and life-threatening.\u00a0 Silent carrier animals (M\/N) for recessive genetic diseases are historically problematic because of the difficulty in identifying them.\u00a0 They lead a normal and healthy life, but when used for breeding can pass a copy of M to the next generation.<\/p>\n

The Frequency of Genetic Diseases in Dogs<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/a>It is true that simple genetic diseases are found at a high rate or frequency in our domestic dog populations, particularly within purebred dog breeds, compared to the frequencies of simple genetic diseases seen in humans.<\/p>\n

An example of a common simple genetic disease in humans is cystic fibrosis, which is an autosomal recessive disease with a frequency of about 1 person affected in 3000 people and a carrier frequency of about 1 person in 25.\u00a0 This compares with simple genetic diseases within dog breeds where it is not uncommon to have 1 animal (or more) out of 100 being affected and a carrier frequency of 1 animal (or more) out of 10.<\/p>\n

\n

The reason for this difference in frequencies of genetic diseases lies in the simplified genomes seen in dogs, due in turn to the degree of inbreeding encountered in dog breeds.\u00a0 Inbreeding is introduced at several levels:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. The creation of modern purebred dogs over the last 100 to 150 years, with a formal definition of breed standards and involving intensive breeding from within a limited foundation stock. This is, by definition, inbreeding.<\/li>\n
  2. Closed pedigree books, where parents must be registered before offspring can be registered. The breed becomes a closed genetic box which exacerbates inbreeding.<\/li>\n
  3. The modern dog show competition, which is an arena for artificial selection whereby canine winners are favored to be the parents of the next generation of animals. With artificial selection, it is people (us) who decide which dogs will pass their genetics (both good and bad) to the next generation.<\/li>\n
  4. The inequalities between male and female reproduction allows the winning male dog to spread his genetics (both good and bad) extensively. This is known as the \u201cpopular sire effect\u201d.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    Genetic Mutations<\/h3>\n

    The nature of mutations deserves a few words.\u00a0 A genetic mutation<\/strong> refers to a change in the sequence of DNA. \u00a0\u00a0Mutations represent the natural variations found within our DNA that we need in order to survive, adapt and evolve as a species. Mutations combined with natural reproduction allow natural selection<\/strong> via \u201csurvival of the fittest\u201d to occur.<\/p>\n

    A substitution mutation<\/strong> is a mutation involving the simple replacement of one letter for another at one of the 2.5 to 3 billion or so letters in the DNA text that makes up our (or a dog\u2019s) genome.\u00a0 An insertion<\/strong> (or deletion<\/strong>) mutation<\/strong> is the addition (or deletion) of one or more letters within the text of our DNA.\u00a0 In each case, whether mutation by substitution, insertion or deletion, the DNA text gets changed and no longer tells quite the same story that it used to.<\/p>\n

    The change can be good, bad or indifferent (neutral) for the animal.\u00a0 The bad mutations are more numerous and would spell disaster except for the fact that Mother Nature has kept a genetic \u201cAce\u201d up her sleeve, by giving us two copies of all of our genes.\u00a0 Yes, we have two parents for a reason; please refer to Dog Genetics 1.0: The Basics<\/a>.\u00a0 And thank your parents.\u00a0 Now the potential disadvantage of the bad mutations is outweighed by the potential advantage of the good mutations.\u00a0 Genetic variations are good, as long as we have natural selection.\u00a0 But in domestic animals, we no longer have natural selection.<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

    Several Examples<\/h3>\n

    With this information as a background, let us now look at a few specific examples of diseases, chosen to illustrate patterns and principles of genetic diseases in dogs. \u00a0For a comprehensive list of simple genetic diseases of the dog, with descriptions and references, please refer to \u00a0Dog Genetic Disease Search<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    \n

    PRA-Type-1 (Papillons)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) refers to a group of genetic diseases affecting the retina and involving the progressive degeneration of the rod and cone light receptor cells.<\/p>\n

    Rod receptor cells detect weak light and are useful for night vision as well as for peripheral vision.\u00a0 Cone receptor cells detect colour vision and are useful for day vision.\u00a0 PRA-Type 1 of the Papillon<\/a> is a recessive genetic disease of the retina where clinical signs first appear around the age of 4 to 6 years.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Clinical signs of PRA-Type-1<\/h3>\n

    Because the rod receptor cells are the first to be affected, dogs that are double mutant (M\/M) will start to lose their night and peripheral vision. \u00a0The development of the disease is slow but progressive; eventually the cone receptor cells are affected and dogs now begin to lose their day vision.\u00a0 An affected dog can retain limited day vision for up to several years, but the final outcome is usually blindness.<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/a>PRA-Type-1, a new mutation<\/h3>\n

    Papillons<\/a> are a small spaniel described by the American Kennel Club as friendly, alert and happy.\u00a0 Although Papillons are an old breed, PRA-Type-1 of Papillons is a newly recognized disease, first described in the scientific literature in 1995.<\/p>\n

    It is an example of a genetic disease seen only in one breed.\u00a0 Genetically, PRA-Type-1 behaves as a typical autosomal recessive genetic disease, where dogs with the disease are M\/M<\/strong> double mutant, and dogs without the disease are either N\/N<\/strong> clear or M\/N<\/strong> carrier.<\/p>\n

    Proactive Papillon Breed Clubs<\/h3>\n

    \"\"<\/a>PRA-Type-1 is caused by a rather complicated mutation within the CNGB1<\/em> gene that is a combination of both a deletion and an insertion and which was described in 2013.\u00a0 The Papillon breed clubs in North America are particularly active in trying to remove the mutation from their breeding stock.<\/p>\n

    At Labgenvet, we perform our tests by DNA sequencing, making the N\/N<\/strong>, M\/N<\/strong> and M\/M<\/strong> animals easy to identify.\u00a0 Since 2016, Labgenvet has tested over 80 samples for this disease sent in by Papillon breeders.<\/p>\n

    DNA Sequencing Profiles and Frequencies<\/h3>\n

    Here are representative DNA sequencing profiles and the mutation frequencies seen at Labgenvet:<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

    Although the probability is low of having an animal that is M\/M<\/strong> double mutant at risk of having the retinal degeneration, the probability of having an animal that is M\/N<\/strong> carrier is actually quite high.\u00a0 These probabilities will be reduced over time as the Papillon breeders continue to use the DNA test to help them with their mating decisions.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    \n

    Multi-Drug Resistance (MDR1)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    \"\"<\/a>Multi-Drug Resistance (MDR1)<\/a> is a genetic condition wherein dogs that carry mutations in the ABCB1<\/em> gene (also called MDR1<\/em> gene) are hyper-sensitive to commonly used veterinary drugs; for this reason, it is considered a \u201cpharmacologic\u201d genetic disease.<\/p>\n

    The MDR1<\/em> gene codes for a transporter protein that protects the brain from toxic small molecules by binding and transporting the molecules out of the brain.\u00a0 A dog with two mutated copies of the MDR1<\/em> gene and thus no functional transporter protein is particularly sensitive to toxicity from a range of common drugs used in veterinary medicine including antiparasitic drugs (macrocyclic lactones such as Ivermectin), antibiotics (such as Erythromycin), tranquilizers (such as Acepromazine), antidiarrheal drugs (such as Loperamide), opioids (such as Butorphanol), and other drugs including cancer chemotherapy drugs (such as Vincristine, Vinblastine, Doxorubicin).<\/p>\n

    <\/h3>\n

    Clinical Signs of MDR1<\/h3>\n

    Signs of toxicity can include loss of alertness, excessive salivation, pupil dilation, tremors, ataxia, seizures, slowed heart rate, coma, respiratory arrest and death. Note that signs of toxicity are much more severe for the animal that is double mutant but have been reported for animals that carry a single mutation.\u00a0 For this reason, the heredity of Multi-Drug Resistance is considered as dominant with variable penetrance, and although the double mutant (M\/M) animal is most at risk of showing severe toxicity to medications, care should still be taken when giving medication to carrier (M\/N) animals.<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/a>MDR1 and the Shepherd Breeds<\/h3>\n

    The mutation for MDR1 is found in a number of dog breeds, mostly of the Shepherd and Collie-type or their crosses.\u00a0 These breeds include: Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, Berger Picard, Border Collie, Chinook, Collie, German Shepherd, Long-Haired Whippet, McNab Shepherd, Miniature American Shepherd, Miniature Australian Shepherd, Old English Sheepdog, Rough Collie, Ryukyu Inu, Shetland Sheepdog, Shiloh Shepherd, Silken Windhound, Smooth Collie, Waller, White Swiss Shepherd.<\/p>\n

    This list of breeds indicates that the mutation that is the cause of the problem is fairly old, and happened before the Shepherd-type breeds were segregated into their present form.<\/p>\n

    Medication Intolerance<\/h3>\n

    \"\"<\/a>The mutation that is the cause of MDR1 is a deletion of four bases within the ABCB1<\/em> gene.\u00a0 In order for toxicity to occur, dogs have to be given a pharmacological product.\u00a0 Dogs that are clear (N\/N) for the mutation will have normal, wild-type tolerance to medications.\u00a0 Dogs that have one normal and one mutated copy of the mutation (M\/N) are felt to have somewhat reduced tolerance (i.e. somewhat increased toxicity) to medications.<\/p>\n

    The real clinical problem and the animal to avoid giving medication to is the double mutant (M\/M) animal, for which otherwise safe doses of medication become highly toxic.\u00a0 The mutation was reported in 2001, so breeders and veterinarians have had access to DNA tests to identify carriers and animals at risk for almost twenty years.\u00a0 Despite this fact, M\/N and M\/M animals are still being identified.<\/p>\n

    DNA Sequencing Profiles and Frequencies<\/h3>\n

    Here are representative DNA sequencing profiles and mutation frequencies seen on more than 400 samples at Labgenvet:<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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    Degenerative Myelopathy<\/strong><\/h3>\n
    \"\"<\/a>
    German Shepherd<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)<\/a> is a neuro-muscular degenerative disease caused by a specific gene mutation that has been identified in many dog breeds. Additional genetic factors as well as environmental factors can also contribute to the time of onset and progression of the disease. DM is a disease that affects the white matter of the spinal cord and is equivalent to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS; also known as Lou Gehrig\u2019s disease) in humans.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Clinical symptoms of degenerative myelopathy<\/h3>\n

    Affected dogs usually start showing symptoms of progressive muscular atrophy by 7 to 9 years of age, with initial loss of coordination of the hind limbs. These dogs can lose mobility six months to two years after the onset of clinical signs, with large dogs showing a more rapid progression of symptoms than small dogs.<\/p>\n

    Pain is not associated with the disease, and symptoms can progress to the point that the animal is incontinent and eventually paraplegic. There is no treatment and often the affected animal is euthanized for humanitarian reasons before these final stages.<\/p>\n

    The Genetics of Degenerative Myelopathy<\/h3>\n
    \"\"<\/a>
    Bernese Mountain Dog<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n

    DM in dogs is an example of a genetic disease that follows (more or less) simple or mendelian genetics. The DNA mutation that has been linked to DM is a simple substitution of one letter for another, found in the SOD1<\/em> gene. This mutation has been identified in over 180 dog breeds, so I will not list them all.<\/p>\n

    DM is considered an autosomal recessive disease with variable penetrance. Dogs from several breeds are particularly at risk of developing DM when the double mutation (M\/M) is present in an animal. These breeds include (among others) the German Shepherd, the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Boxer.<\/p>\n

    Modifying Genes for Degenerative Myelopathy<\/h3>\n
    \"\"<\/a>
    Corgi<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n

    For some dog breeds, dogs can be M\/M for the mutation in the SOD1<\/em> gene, but whether or not they develop DM now depends on additional genetic factors known as modifying genes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    A case in point is the Pembrooke Welsh Corgi. Corgis that are M\/M for the mutation of the SOD1<\/em> gene can show clinical signs of DM by the age of 7 to 9 years, or can be free of signs at 15 years of age. The increased susceptibility seems to be due to the presence of a mutation within a modifying gene, and this modifying gene for Corgis has been identified. Unfortunately, modifying genes for other breeds, even if they are suspected, are not as yet identified.<\/p>\n

    The Bernese Mountain Dog is another breed worth mentioning. In this breed, a second mutation within the SOD1<\/em> gene was identified that can cause increased risk of having DM. This second mutation is not seen in other breeds. So simple genetics isn\u2019t always so simple. The known genetics of DM in the dog pales in comparison to the known genetics of ALS in humans, where there are over 150 mutations documented within the human SOD1<\/em> gene, and at least 5 different modifying genes for ALS that have been identified.<\/p>\n

    A Recessive Disease Occurring Later in Life<\/h3>\n

    There are several practical aspects concerning DM in dogs that are worth mentioning. It is a recessive disease that occurs later on in life, after the reproductive years of the animal. Of course, the M\/M double mutant animals showing symptoms are a problem. But an additional problem, particularly with respect to controlling the disease within a breed, are the unidentified carrier (M\/N) animals.<\/p>\n

    If M\/N animals are unknowingly used for reproduction, there is a good chance that the mutation will be passed on to the next generation. More problematic, if two M\/N animals are bred together, there is a 1 in four chance of producing M\/M double mutant puppies at risk of developing DM later in their lives. These M\/M puppies exist because I have seen their DNA; I know that at the age of 7 to 9 years, they will be taken into a veterinary clinic because they are starting to get wobbly in the back end. And the disease cycle continues.<\/p>\n

    Identifying Carrier Animals<\/h3>\n
    \"\"<\/a>
    Boxer<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n

    Although unidentified carrier animals are a problem, as soon as carrier animals are identified (usually by a DNA test), M\/N animals are much less problematic. Carrier animals are not at risk of developing DM, and if bred to N\/N clear animals there is no risk of producing M\/M double mutant puppies. As I like to tell breeders, identifying a carrier (M\/N) animal is good news, but of course the breeders would have preferred to have identified a clear (N\/N) animal.<\/p>\n

    Be that as it may, due to the numbers of breeds of dog that have the SOD1<\/em> mutation, the frequencies of the mutation seen within breeds, the late age for disease onset, the rather complicated \u201csimple\u201d genetics of the disease as well as the decentralized nature of dog breeding, it will take many years before DM and its mutation are eliminated from our dog breeds.<\/p>\n

    DNA Sequencing Profiles and Frequencies<\/h3>\n

    DNA sequencing profiles and frequencies of animals that are N\/N (clear), M\/N (carrier) and M\/M (double mutant) for the DM mutation, based on over 600 dogs tested at Labgenvet, are as follows:<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

    For additional genetic information and references regarding Degenerative Myelopathy in dogs, please refer to the following link: Degenerative Myelopathy in dogs<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    A comprehensive list of simple genetic diseases in dogs can be found at: Dog Genetic Disease Search<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Knowledge is Power, and Power is Responsibility<\/h3>\n

    \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

    Our knowledge of the mutational basis of simple genetic diseases in dogs is increasing every year.\u00a0 With good, validated DNA tests we now have the power to identify carrier (M\/N<\/strong>) animals.<\/p>\n

    We can, in theory, eliminate a simple genetic disease from a given breed within one breeding generation and eliminate the disease-causing mutation within two generations.\u00a0 The challenge is to take on the responsibility.<\/p>\n

    Genetic Diseases Are Not Always Simple<\/h3>\n

    \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

    What I have presented so far is valid for simple or mendelian genetics, where one gene is involved and one mutation causes a disease.\u00a0 But, there are over 20,000 protein-coding genes in the dog\u2019s genome, and genes don\u2019t work in isolation.\u00a0 Complex genetic diseases<\/strong>, involving the contributions of mutations in multiple genes as well as environmental influences, do not follow the simple genetic rules we have just talked about.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Hip dysplasia in the dog is an example of a complex genetic disease, with multiple (as yet undetermined) genetic inputs plus a big dose of environmental influence.\u00a0 Health problems that are associated with exaggerated conformations<\/strong> (short face, short legs, short tail, long back, floppy ears, the list goes on\u2026) are in fact genetic diseases that are caught up in the morass of breed conformation standards.\u00a0 Life and genetics are not always simple, even though we wish that they were.<\/p>\n

    \u00a9 2018 David W. Silversides
    \n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Dog Genetics 3.0: Simple Genetic Diseases The prevalence of genetic diseases in our dogs is a recognized and long-standing problem, and the problem is twofold.\u00a0 First and obviously, we have dogs that are sick because of a genetic disease.\u00a0 Secondly and more insidiously, we have dogs that are perfectly healthy but who are carriers…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-11123","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","description-off"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/labgenvet.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11123","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/labgenvet.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/labgenvet.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/labgenvet.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/labgenvet.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11123"}],"version-history":[{"count":43,"href":"https:\/\/labgenvet.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11123\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22082,"href":"https:\/\/labgenvet.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11123\/revisions\/22082"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/labgenvet.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11123"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}