The mutation gene that causes dwarfism in dogs has been identified. The ITGA10 gene mutation contributes to the disease chondrodysplasia. This disease causes shorter limbs and long-term effects included bow-leggedness and disproportionate femoral heads. Scientists have identified the disease in the Karelian Bear Dog as well as the Norwegian Elkhound. Affected dogs and healthy dogs were compared in order to isolate the precise gene mutation. The ITGA10 gene is important in the process of growth in the long bones. The mutation of this gene is caused by the change in one nucleotide that prematurely ends the stop codon.
This information could not only benefit dogs but also humans. Through the analysis of the gene mutation of ITGA10, scientists could discover more about chondrodysplasia. Currently, there are few known causes about the disease. In order to prevent this disease in dogs, pet owners are permitted to have genetic screening for their dog in which they can test for the ITGA10 gene mutation. In doing this, owners could potentially stop breeding their dogs that carry the gene and eventually rid them of the mutation entirely.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/09/130926102429.htm
