Recent Advances in Hereditary Diseases and Genetic Predispositions and Breed Characteristics

Recent Advances in Hereditary Diseases and Genetic Predispositions and Breed Characteristics

Many of the characteristic breed traits and common and rare diseases seen in veterinary practice have a heritable basis. Recent exciting advances in our current knowledge of the completed dog genome sequences offer the opportunity to clinicians to use these emerging tools in clinical practice and have a positive impact on the health of dogs and in particular the diagnosis, management, and control of hereditary diseases. 

There are many unique traits of canine breeds and many hereditary disorders and genetic predispositions to disease have been identified. With the recent completion of the canine and feline genome sequences and molecular techniques these genetic (breed) traits and defects have been and are being characterized from the clinical signs to the molecular defect. Many specific breed traits such as size, chondrodysplasia, brachycephaly and many skin and coat color characteristics have recently been defined. While clinical and routine laboratory and imaging tests are helpful, specific biochemical and DNA tests have become available for >160 single gene defects through various laboratories in dogs. Moreover, with DNA tests it is now possible to determine the ancestry of mixed breed and purebred dogs, a first example of a complex trait. As it is difficult to keep track of all the diseases, tests and treatments, a web-based database for available DNA tests on hereditary diseases in companion animals for clinicians is being introduced (http://research.vet.upenn.edu/WSAVA-LabSearch). 

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