Hot Dog! We Know What's Causing IVDD!

In an article recently published on ScienceDaily, a study was done revealing the connection between genetic mutations and chondrodystrophy. This is more commonly known as a disorder causing abnormally short legs and intervertebral discs. Danika Brannasch, who studies veterinary genetics, explains that "dogs with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) are 50 times more likely to have this mutation." The ability to identify the cause of the pain is a huge step towards relief for the suffering pets. In extremely severe cases, which I've actually experienced with my own dachshund, the herniated discs can lead to paralysis. The treatment for this condition is insanely expensive, and often the dogs are euthanized because the treatment doesn't guarantee 100% success.
Danika Brannasch began her study with finding importance on chromosome 12, showing a link to unusually long bone growth. During the study, Brannasch's team found that the breeds that shared this DNA sequence were among the beagles, dachshunds, and spaniels. With connections to the University of California, Davis, veterinary hospital, the team was able to get a closer look at many IVDD cases to observe the DNA sequences of the dogs involved. A veterinarian student, Emily Brown, was the one to identify the FGR4 retrogene mutation, which was causing the growth abnormalities. As the study continued in depth, the more clear it became to see a connection with the mutation in humans as well (comparing to animals). Brannasch explained that "having the ability to eliminate a disease as painful and debilitating as IVDD is the most satisfying result of my scientific career."
I think this is an absolutely amazing discovery. It can really save a lot of families from the heartbreak of watching their pets suffer, and it can save the poor pets from experiencing a lot of pain. I really wish this study had been completed years ago! Maybe we wouldn't have had to put down our poor little pup. Knowing the cause of the mutation is extremely important to not only owners, but to breeders as well, in hopes that one day the condition can be bred out completely.

Dwarf Dogs

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