Blame it on the Genes: Why Labrador's are Always Hungry

     Labrador Retrievers are known for their love for food which causes them to be overweight. A study published on March 6th discovered why some labs are more likely to be overweight than others. The researchers found that genes play a huge role in why most labs are obese. In the past, researchers identified a gene called POMC, this gene makes some labs more likely to over eat, but its not that simple. Scientists studied 241 British Labs, looking at their DNA, body condition, behaviors with food, and how we could manage their weight/diet. There is another gene other than POMC that is liked to obesity in labs called the DENND1B. The labs that had the DENND1B gene contained around 8% more of body fat compared to the labs lacking that gene. This gene not only plays a role in dog obesity but humans as well, impacting how the brain responds to food. Researchers used the information they gathered from the study and created the "risk score",  which helped predict how much more likely a lab is to become overweight. The dogs that were always begging for food, getting into human food, and or just obsessing over food were the dogs with "obesity-prone" genes. There are ways to help the dogs that struggle with their weight, such as strict feeding schedules and not giving them table food. You don't need to pay a bunch of money to genetically test your dog for these genes- just paying attention to their behaviors with food can tell you a lot. 

    Working at a vet hospital, I really do see more overweight labs than any other breed. Not only are they beggars but they're notorious for eating foreign objects. It's really interesting to see how genetics gives us an explanation for why so many labs are relentless when it comes to food. I think it's important for everyone, not just people who work in the veterinary field to know there is gene like DEEND1B making labs biologically more food driven. It helps us be more empathetic towards owners that are truly trying to put their dogs on diets and stick to a feeding schedule. There are resources that can help guide owners when it comes to putting their dog on a diet to better maintain a healthy lifestyle for them. 

Scientists May Have Stopped a Form of Inherited Blindness in Dogs

 

A recent study conducted at the University of Cambridge, has shined a new light and possible new way of prevention to Progressive Retinal Atrophy also known as PRA in dogs. Once effected dogs will become completely blind over time. With the help of a genetic test, dogs who carry the gene for PRA can be tested early on and allow for breeders to know not to breed that dog and prevent the passing along to future puppies. 

The study conducted consisted of 6 English Shepherd's who have PRA and 20 English Shepherds who do not have it. They looked for genes that were linked to PRA. It was discovered that the problematic gene is recessive, so in order for the offspring to be effected both parents must be carriers. Now the issues still present is many dogs are inbred increasing the possibility of breeding's resulting in the disease being passed on. 

With the information from this study a swap which you use to swab the inside of the dogs mouth has been created so owners can test there dogs to see if they carry this DNA before breeding. There is no cure for this type of blindness however the hope is to identify and prevent further spreading of these genes to offspring, potentially one day eliminating it all together. 

I think this is a great concept. Being proactive with testing dogs before breeding is key into producing healthy offspring. Working in the veterinary medicine field, it is always heart breaking to see dogs come in and owners learn that there dog is going blind. It changes a lot for both pet and owner. Helping prevent the possible spread of PRA is great, it a simple swap test it accessible to all. 

Links:

https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2024-07-22/scientists-may-have-stopped-a-form-of-inherited-blindness-in-dogs

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/progressive-retinal-atrophy#:~:text=PRA%20is%20a%20non%2Dpainful,a%20good%20quality%20of%20life.

Many Labradors Become Obese and Research Shows Why

 

In a recent study at University of Cambridge’s Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience conducted on one of Americas most popular dog breeds, the Labrador Retriever a closer look into there genes has shown that obesity is a genetic issue not necessarily lifestyle. A genetic mutation can be found in some members of this breeds genetic make up that not only makes them feel hungrier all the time but it also makes it so they burn fewer calories. 

The genetic mutation discovered is found on the gene known as POMC. This gene is responsible for hunger signals and energy usage. In this study 25% of Labradors and 66% of flat coated retrievers were found to have the POMC mutation. It was shown that dog with the mutation are prone to overeating more, and it also shown that dogs with this mutation burn 25% less energy then dogs without it. 

The mutation which effects the POMC gene prohibits the dogs ability to produce two chemical messengers, one being beta-melanocyte stimulating hormone (β-MSH) and the other being beta-endorphin, these are both important in determining hunger and moderating energy use in the dog. 

This study consisted of 87 Labradors all who were either at a healthy weight or were entering being overweight. These dog were fed canned dog food every 20 minutes. Now all these dogs ate relatively the same amount proving that dogs with mutation have the ability to feel full. On another day of the study these dogs were fed breakfast then 3 hours later offered a container with food in it which allowed the dogs to see and smell the food but not access it. Dogs with this mutation tried significantly harder then those without it. This indicated that dogs with this mutation become hungrier between meals. The last phase of this study was having the dogs sleep in a specialized chamber which allowed the gases exhaled to be measured and analyze metabolism. Dogs who has the POMC mutation burned 25% fewer calories. 

 This study helps provide insight on how to help maintain healthy weight. Currently no medication are available for dogs with this mutation but the use of probiotics and calorie monitoring has shown to be effective in preventing obesity.  

I think this study is a big breakthrough, as someone who works in the veterinary medicine field I have seen so many owners struggle with their Labradors weight. I have had owners tell me there dog can eat forever or they are always hungry. Obesity leads to so many health issues in dogs so having a study to figure out what factors play a role in common dog breed obesity cases is crucial in preventing it. 

Links: 

https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2024-03-07/many-labradors-become-obese-and-research-shows-why

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240306150433.htm#:~:text=The%20mutation%20is%20in%20a,food%20and%20risk%20of%20obesity.