Genetic Counseling for Inherited Kidney and Urinary Tract Diseases

During their work with breeders, theriogenologists are often asked their opinion regarding which individual dogs and cats to breed and with which mates, in order to perpetuate characteristics of interest and to avoid predispositions for breed-associated health concerns. Genetic counseling can now be offered with additional support from information gleaned from studies utilizing genomic tools such as genomewide association studies, fine sequencing of candidate genes, and specific DNA tests available for variant alleles associated with breed predispositions. For instance, for familial kidney diseases, DNA tests are available for some breeds with protein-losing nephropathy, e.g., due to hereditary nephritis with collagen IV abnormalities in the glomerular basement membrane (similar to Alport syndrome) in Samoyeds, Navasota mixbreeds, English Cocker Spaniels, and English Springer Spaniels; glomerulo-sclerosis with slit diaphragm protein abnormalities in Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers and Airedale Terriers ...